Hello Everyone! We began a week long study of estimating this week. That is always a daunting skill for first graders, so our district decided to approach the concept a little bit differently. We want the kids to understand what estimating is all about, but not using great quantities of things. Our wonderful Math Instructional Specialist suggested we teach our firsties about estimation through our ten frames and our number lines. She also suggested we use what we call "Friendly Numbers." Friendly numbers are numbers kids are used to working with and that make sense to them. We are using friendly numbers 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. I made some work mats on which the kiddos can work. I also found some cute little pumpkin gems to use as manipulatives, but you can use anything you have. As a whole group we worked on taking a number, showing what that quantity would look like on a ten frame or a number line, and then thinking about which friendly number was closest. That friendly number would be a good estimate for what we were showing. The pictures show working up to 10, but tomorrow we will work on numbers through 20. I also included number cards in my unit so you can put it in a math tub, which is what I'll do next week for extra estimating practice. If you would like your freebie-a 9 page mini unit- click here! Mini unit contains 4 work mats, number cards and recording sheets. Gotta go, Trick or Treaters are here!! Joyfully! Nancy