Learning to estimate is an important part of numeracy instruction. Kids learn to make comparisons in order to judge quantity which is a skill that is used when deciding if an answer or solution to a problem is plausible. We started by looking at sets of 10 items and sets of 100 items in order to be better able to visualize these reference quantities. We practiced estimating and discovered that a "good" estimate doesn't need to be perfect, rather, it needs to be close! We had fun with hands on activities where each student looked at a collection of items, made an estimation and then checked the estimation by counting the items. Now that we have an understanding of what it means to make an estimation, we will continue to practice this skill. Even, while out for a walk, I will challenge the students to estimate how many rocks are piled up, or how many birds are in a tree, prior to counting and confirming the estimation.
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Ms. Shawna WoodPassionate about teaching, learning, inclusion and kindness. Archives
August 2019
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