Number sense, as defined by Gersten and Chard (prominent researchers in the field of Education) refers to a child’s fluidity and adaptability with numbers. It involves understanding the meaning of numbers, performing mental arithmetic operations, and making comparisons to comprehend the world around them.

Plain and simple, number sense is a person’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers. Children with strong number sense think flexibly and fluently about numbers. They can: Visualize and talk comfortably about numbers. Number bonds are one tool to help them see the connections between numbers.

In simple terms, number sense is an essential part of developing strong math skills. Number sense is an umbrella term to describe our understanding of numbers and our ability to think flexibly about them. Number sense is comprised of three main parts—counting, proportional thinking, and understanding part-part-whole.

The construct of number sense refers to a child’s fluidity and flexibility with numbers. It helps children understand what numbers mean, improving their performance of mental mathematics, and giving them the tools to look at maths in the outside world and make comparisons.

According to educational experts like Gersten and Chard, it involves understanding the meaning of numbers, performing mental arithmetic, and making comparisons. This fluidity with numbers allows individuals to make sense of their numerical environment and apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations.