Some math skills need more than coverage. They are fundamental to a child's ability to understand and learn math and deserve the time and instruction needed to develop deep understanding. Number sense is fundamental to a child's ability to understand higher-level math. Understanding number value, basic combinations, number patterns, and basic problem solving are among the core of the core and must be developed to competency to allow students to become successful math learners for life. In this workshop, participants will learn the exact sequence of early math skills and concepts that lead to number sense. Participants will explore simple and efficient ways to assess exactly which skills a child has and which skills he or she is ready to learn. They will learn simple strategies that allow teachers to apply competency-based learning to math in the early grades and to help children understand basic number concepts for life.