But the beginnings of understanding numbers are there. Building on those beginnings is important. Every time you name a number, such as noticing, "Oh! I dropped three of the crayons," you sensitize children to numbers and teach a number word and its connection to a specific quantity.
However, if you do it consistently, you are doing much more. You are encouraging children to think of the world in terms of, and to spontaneously recognize, numbers. That is a gift that keeps on giving, because children can then create hundreds, or thousands, of mathematical experiences for themselves. Teachers need to be alert to naming small groups of objects and people whenever it is appropriate. Are you going to draw four mommy horses? Unless they are arranged in certain ways, such as on a dice, the limit is usually four to six.
So, is recognition of numbers an early skill that fades away when real learning of numbers starts? The answer is no, for the following reasons:. Recognition of numbers supports the development of other number skills, such as counting. For example, one of the most important ideas about counting that many children do not develop is this: The last counting word tells how many.
Children will count three objects, but then, when asked how many, will re-count. But if they recognize groups of one, two, and three, then when they count out one, they see they have one, when they count out two, they see they have two, and when they finish and count three they see three. They relate it to what they already know, and so the counting is more meaningful.
Recognition of numbers develops into more sophisticated abilities. The most obvious one is subitizing, or instantly seeing how many. From a Latin word meaning suddenly, subitizing is the direct and immediate recognition of the number of a group.
Simply stated, it's fast number recognition. If someone shows you four fingers for only an instant, you recognize how many fingers they are holding up without counting. And that fast recognition is important. For example, subitizing will later help children with adding. The trouble is that their memory of the three and four on one hand, and the seven on the other, is too far away for the child to make a connection.
But if a child subitizes the four, she is more likely to count on, starting with four, then five, six, and seven. So, be sure to notice and name numbers. Talk about how many objects appear in small groups everywhere around you. Tumble dry on low heat, remove promptly from dryer. Avoid using fabric softeners, dryer sheets or bleach. Full and queen sets contain two standard pillowcases. Machine wash in cold water with like colors. Fits mattresses up to 10 inches. Tumble dry low gentle.
Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean. Quilted antimicrobial polyester fiberfill with laminated polyester back; thread-count cotton cover. Machine wash cold with mild detergent.
Available in 3 different fill options: Down Alternative, Memory Fiber and Down. Hypoallergenic to help minimize allergens. Designed to hold its shape for enhanced support. Continually adjusts for conforming comfort. Hypoallergenic for allergen-sensitive sleepers. Tumble dry on low. Repeat cycle as needed until fill is completely dry.
This down alternative hypoallergenic bed pillow is designed to hold its shape for enhanced support. Machine wash using a commercial-size, front-loading washer; wash in warm water, delicate cycle, with mild detergent. Side pockets to stash books, pens, electronics, power cords and other essentials.
A handle on top makes it easy to carry on the go.