4
Estimate, then count
Learner’s Book 1: Unit 1, pp. 17–18
GoalMake a sensible estimate of how many objects there are, then count to check.
New words
estimate · a good guess about how manyclose · nearly the same numbercheck · count to see if you were right
Explanation
An estimate is a good guess. Look at a set for a moment and think: is it about 3? about 7? about 10? Then count carefully to check. Your estimate does not have to be exactly right, but it should be close. Practising estimates helps you get better at seeing numbers.
Worked examples
Ali looks at the flowers and estimates 6. Then he counts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. There are 7, so his estimate was very close.
Sara estimates there are 3 cherries in a bowl. She counts 9. Her estimate was not close — next time she will look a little longer before guessing.
Class activity
Estimation jar: put some small things (up to 10) in a cup. Everyone writes an estimate. Then pour them out and count together. Whose estimate was closest?
Practice
1
Look quickly at the apples. Estimate, then count. How many?
8
2
Nodira estimated 5 birds. There were 6. Was her estimate close?
Yes — 5 is very close to 6.
3
What is an estimate?
A good guess about how many.
4
Count the carrots.
10