12: Observational Guide: Assessing Number Sense & Operations in Grade R

Number sense and operations form the bedrock of mathematical understanding in Grade R. This observational guide will empower you to identify a child's grasp of these fundamental concepts through everyday interactions and play.

Key Indicators for Number Sense (up to 10):

• Rote Counting: Can the child count aloud from 1 to 10 (or higher)?
• Rational Counting (One-to-One Correspondence): Can the child accurately count a group of up to 10 objects, touching each object as they count?
• Number Recognition: Can the child recognise and identify number symbols from 1 to 10?
• Number Names: Can the child say the number names from 1 to 10?
• Ordering Numbers: Can the child arrange numbers from smallest to largest or vice-versa?
• Quantity Comparison: Does the child understand and use terms like "more," "less," "equal," "most," and "least" when comparing groups of objects (up to 10)?
• Conservation of Number: Does the child understand that the quantity of a set of objects remains the same regardless of how they are arranged?

Key Indicators for Early Operations (up to 10):

• Joining/Adding: Can the child combine two small groups of objects and tell you how many there are in total (e.g., "3 apples and 2 apples make 5 apples")?
• Separating/Subtracting: Can the child take away objects from a group and tell you how many are left (e.g., "You had 5 cookies, you ate 2, how many are left?")?
• Solving Simple Problems: Can the child solve simple addition and subtraction problems orally, possibly using concrete apparatus (e.g., counters, blocks)?
• Explaining Thinking: Can the child explain their thought process or strategy when solving a simple problem, either in words or through drawings/concrete objects?

Contexts for Observation:

• Play-Dough Activities: Observe as children roll "snakes" and cut them into a specific number of pieces, or make a certain number of cookies.
• Block Play: Note how children count blocks they use or distribute a certain number of blocks among friends.
• Snack Time: Observe when children count their snacks or share them equally.
• Singing Number Songs/Rhymes: Assess their participation and understanding of number concepts within songs.
• Games: During counting games (e.g., "counting steps," "counting jumps" in physical education) or board games requiring counting moves.
• Sorting Activities: Observe how they count groups after sorting based on attributes like colour or size.

By focusing on these practical observations, you will be able to provide detailed insights into a child's developing number sense and their foundational understanding of mathematical operations.