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Estimating How Many

Focus
Estimating the number of blocks in a group

hildren need many opportunities to estimate number. Initial work should focus on quantities of single blocks less than 20. Estimation helps children to develop their sense of number as well as to maintain flexibility with numbers. Comparing numbers to benchmark amounts, such as 5 or 10, helps children anchor their estimates.

Getting a Sense of How Many

Have children take 5 blocks in their hands to get a sense of how the quantity five feels. Then have them pick up another small collection of single blocks and decide if there are more or less than 5. The children then count the blocks to check. As they get more familiar with the feel of the blocks, have them estimate the number of blocks in their hands, rather than compare the amount to 5. They would now say, for example, I think its 7 instead of I think its more than 5. Next, with the children watching, count out 10 blocks as you place them on a Knowing how a group of 5 blocks looks and feels will give children a benchmark for comparison. work mat. Give the group time to look at the blocks as you move them around on the mat, both closer together and farther apart. Then remove the blocks and cover the mat with a sheet of construction paper. Without letting the children see, put 6 blocks on the mat underneath the paper. Alert them to watch closely, then quickly remove and replace the sheet of paper, ending with the blocks hidden again. Ask the children if they saw more or less than 10 blocks. Have a volunteer count to check. Repeat several times with different numbers of blocks, both less than and more than 10. (You can do the same activity with photocopies of different collections of blocks, showing the copies quickly.)

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When you think it is appropriate, have children estimate the number of blocks they see, rather than compare the quantity to 10. Be sure to emphasize that an estimate is a number that is close, not necessarily an exact answer.

Practicing Key Ideas

Take a Peek
Children work in pairs with a bag of 10 blocks. One child secretly takes some blocks out of the bag and hides them under his or her hands. When the hands are lifted briefly, the other child tells whether there are more or less than 5 blocks in view. Together, the children count the blocks to check. They then reverse roles and repeat the activity.

In a Bag
Children work in pairs with 20 single blocks and a paper bag. One partner secretly puts some of the blocks in the bag and removes the remaining blocks from view.The other child must estimate whether there are more or less than 10 blocks in the bag. He or she may shake the bag or feel inside the bag, but may not count the blocks.Together, the children then empty the bag and count the blocks to check the estimate. Children can reverse roles and repeat the activity many times. Once they are familiar with this activity, they can estimate the number of blocks in the bag, rather than compare the amount to 10.

Assessing Learning
1. Place 1, 2, or 3 blocks in a childs hands and ask if there are more or less than 5 blocks. Repeat with 7, 8, or 9 blocks. Does the child compare correctly when the collection is less than 5? compare correctly when the collection is more than 5? 2. Quickly show the child a group of 5 or 6 blocks and ask if there are more or less than 10 blocks. Repeat, showing 15 or 16 blocks. Does the child compare correctly when the collection is less than 10? compare correctly when the collection is more than 10?

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