Learning Age: 7 to 11 Years

Learning Track: Numeracy Part 2

Estimating Made Easy

T he ability to estimate is an important practical numeracy skill.

Estimating is guessing. We'll show you tips on estimating that will help your child.

Usually estimating is about guessing a measurement. We only use estimates when we dont need to know an exact answer.

Make it clear to your child that to estimate you don't need to be exact !

Your child will need to have an idea of how much a unit is of what you are measuring and then guess at how many could fit in to what you are estimating.

Measure out a meter with a measuring tape and show this distance to your child. If your child is very roughly 1 meter tall, then tell them this as it will be a good guide for them.

Measure out a centimeter and show this distance to your child. If two of your child's fingers together is very roughly 1 centimeter, then point this out to them as a guide too.

Ask them to show you how much a meter is and a centimeter and see if they are roughly right.

Let them see how heavy 1 kilogram is. Take them to the supermarket and see what fruit is about 1 kg, or a bag of sugar or flour will work too.

Weigh your child, can they guess how many kilograms they weigh ?

Show your child a 1 litre bottle of a drink.

Now your child will have some idea how heavy 1 kilogram is, how many kilograms a child weighs, and how much 1 litre is.

Playing the 'Estimating Game' helps children get a 'feel' for numbers. To play, simply decide on something you have to estimate and the person who is closest wins !

Things you could estimate include –

Length of a room

How far your child can jump

Weight of objects at home

Shopping total (the trick here is to change the prices from £2.90 to £3 for example)