What skill is emphasized in first grade number sense?

The focus on number sense in first grade primarily includes developing foundational skills in addition and subtraction. At this stage, students are encouraged to understand these concepts using manipulatives—physical objects that help illustrate mathematical concepts—but also to begin performing addition and subtraction without the aid of manipulatives as they progress. This shift is essential as it signifies a development in their cognitive abilities to abstractly understand mathematics.

Recognizing numbers, quantities, and basic operations without relying on physical objects is a critical milestone. It indicates that students are starting to grasp how numbers interact and can perform operations in their minds. This conceptual understanding fosters greater confidence and capability as they transition into more complex mathematical areas in later grades.