Max Maths, Year 1, Work Book, Estimating numbers to 30

In the Max Maths Year 1 Workbook, young learners are introduced to the concept of estimation through Practice 6, which focuses on estimating numbers up to 30. The exercise begins with an engaging task where children are asked to estimate the number of ants illustrated on the page. They are encouraged to make an educated guess, jotting down their estimate first. This initial step is crucial as it helps develop the child's ability to judge quantities without relying on precise counting.

After making their estimate, students are then instructed to count the ants one by one to find the exact number, recording this figure under the 'Actual number' section. This comparison allows children to evaluate the accuracy of their initial estimate. The activity concludes with a reflective question, prompting students to consider how close their estimate was to the actual number of ants. The following questions extend this skill to estimating a collection of shapes, again comparing their guess to the actual count and reflecting on the precision of their estimation. The final part of the task asks students to describe their estimating process, encouraging them to articulate their thought process and the strategies they used to make their guesses.