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Math PK-2

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Math PK-2>Factors>Symbolic Number

Symbolic Number

Factor Connections

Hover to see how factors connect to Symbolic Number. Then click connected factors to explore strategies related to multiple factors.

Symbolic Number is understanding the quantities represented by number words and numbers themselves. Symbolic Number knowledge is a key indicator for arithmetic and general math proficiency.
Symbolic Number skills also include understanding the relationships between different numbers and being able to compare the magnitudes of numbers.

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View Measures and References

Research-Based Strategies For This Factor

Creating Visual Representations

Students activate more cognitive processes by exploring and representing their understandings in visual form.

Adverse ExperiencesPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusEmotionAttentionInhibitionSensory IntegrationSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilityOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Cumulative Review

Continual use of foundational skills with different problems reinforces a conceptual understanding of math skills.

Adverse ExperiencesPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusAttentionInhibitionSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLinearityMathematical FlexibilityOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Direct Instruction: Number Identification Instruction

In explicit number naming, the structure of the number name labels the number in Place Value order and clearly states the quantity.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusAttentionSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryCountingOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Free Choice

Free choice supports learner interests and promotes the development of more complex social interactions.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocial SupportsSocioeconomic StatusEmotionMotivationSense of BelongingSocial Awareness & Relationship SkillsAttentionInhibitionSensory IntegrationSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilitySymbolic Number
Guided Inquiry

In guided inquiry, teachers help students use their own language for constructing knowledge by active listening and questioning.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocial SupportsSocioeconomic StatusEmotionAttentionCognitive FlexibilityInhibitionSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsLinearityMathematical FlexibilityOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Guided Play

Teaching students through guided play encourages them to take an active role in their learning and supports the development of a broad array of cognitive skills.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocial SupportsSocioeconomic StatusEmotionMotivationSocial Awareness & Relationship SkillsAttentionInhibitionSensory IntegrationSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilitySymbolic Number
Math Centers

Math centers with math games, manipulatives, and activities support learner interests and promote the development of more complex math skills and social interactions.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocial SupportsSocioeconomic StatusEmotionMotivationSense of BelongingSocial Awareness & Relationship SkillsAttentionCognitive FlexibilityInhibitionSensory IntegrationSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsLinearityNon-symbolic NumberOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Math Games: Numerical & Spatial

Math games use numbers and Spatial Skills, allowing students to practice many math skills in a fun, applied context.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusEmotionMotivationAttentionInhibitionSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLinearityMathematical FlexibilityNon-symbolic NumberOperationsSymbolic Number
Model Assignment or Skill

By talking through their thinking at each step of a process, teachers can model what learning looks like.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusEmotionAttentionInhibitionWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsLinearityOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Multiple Representations: Manipulatives

Providing physical representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusEmotionAttentionInhibitionSensory IntegrationSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationMathematical FlexibilityOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Multiple Representations: Number Line

Easy access to seeing the relationships between numbers promotes number sense as students see these connections repeatedly.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLinearityMathematical FlexibilityOperationsSymbolic Number
Multiple Representations: Visual Representations

Visual representations help students understand what a number represents as well as recognize relationships between numbers.

Adverse ExperiencesHearingPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusAttentionInhibitionSpatial SkillsSpeed of ProcessingWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilityNon-symbolic NumberOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Rich Resources: Audio & Braille

Math games and manipulatives for vision differences support math development for learners with visual needs.

Home Learning EnvironmentSocioeconomic StatusVisionSpatial SkillsWorking MemoryArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilityNon-symbolic NumberOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Rich Resources: Children's Literature

Children's literature can be a welcoming way to help students learn math vocabulary and concepts.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentSafetySocioeconomic StatusEmotionMotivationSense of BelongingSocial Awareness & Relationship SkillsSpatial SkillsArithmetic Fact RetrievalCardinalityCountingEstimationLanguage SkillsMathematical FlexibilityNon-symbolic NumberOperationsPlace ValueSymbolic Number
Word Walls

A word wall helps build the mathematical vocabulary and Language Skills that are necessary for problem solving.

Adverse ExperiencesHome Learning EnvironmentPhysical FitnessSafetySleepSocioeconomic StatusWorking MemoryLanguage SkillsSymbolic Number