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Using objects to model real problems

Use objects, drawings, or simple number sentences to represent a real-world situation (early mathematical modelling)

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • Draw a picture or use objects to represent a simple real-world situation involving counting or comparing
  • Write or dictate a number sentence to describe a real-world situation (e.g. 'I had 5 apples and ate 2')
  • Use the model to answer a question about the situation

The lesson

A math story is something that really happens. You can show it with pictures, objects, or numbers.

Tap each star and count out loud.
3 stars, then 2 more join. That is 3 + 2 = 5.
Try it together

Leo had 5 apples. He ate 2. Number sentence: 5 - 2 = 3.

Good to know

First draw or use objects for the story. Then write the number sentence.

Turn what happens into pictures, then into a number sentence.

Watch it

Where it sits

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

Using objects to model real problems · Mathematics, ages 5 to 6 · LightMySky