Activity

Estimate Then Count

Make a sensible estimate, then organise and count a small collection to check it.

Age: Age 5
Subject: Mathematics
Topic: Counting
Difficulty: Medium

Instructions

Ask an adult to place a small collection in the container. Look without counting and write an estimate. Tip out the objects and arrange them in a line. Count each object once and record the exact total. Compare the estimate with the count and try a new collection.

Activity details

Duration: 20 minutes
Setting: Tabletop
Learning objective: Understand that an estimate is a reasonable guess that can be checked by counting.
Materials: A clear container, 10 to 20 blocks or buttons, paper, and a pencil.

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