What does the conservation of number refer to in mathematics?

Conservation of number is a fundamental concept in early childhood mathematics that refers to a child's ability to recognize that the quantity of a set of objects remains constant, even when the arrangement or configuration of those objects changes. For example, if you have a collection of five blocks arranged in a line, and then you spread those blocks out or stack them into a different shape, a child demonstrating conservation of number understands that there are still five blocks, regardless of how they are organized.

This concept is crucial in cognitive development as it signifies a child's understanding of the permanence of quantities and lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts, such as addition and subtraction. Recognizing that quantity is invariant despite physical rearrangement helps children develop a solid foundation for their future mathematical learning.