Development of symbol sense

What does research suggest about the development of symbol sense?

Symbols are tools or referents to help create meaning and express relationships; for example, numerals, arithmetic operators, and the equal sign, as well as pictorial representations, icons and gestures
Symbol sense (sometimes called structure sense) refers to using symbols with understanding, including when to use symbols and choosing usefully between them as part of a process of meaning-making
Using symbol sense is foundational to the development of early algebraic thinking, in particular moving from a local focus to a global, more whole-centred viewpoint
Symbol sense may be supported by students exploring the purpose and consequences of creating their own representations or graphics from an early age
Carefully chosen ICT tools can help support the development of symbol sense, as can an attitude of patience towards incomplete understanding and uncertainty
Exploring quantity in terms of equivalence and balancing nested structures such as mobiles may also support symbol sense development
Successful manipulation of symbolic expressions does not necessarily imply symbol sense; classroom culture should prioritise conceptual as well as procedural understanding in order to develop symbol sense

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