--- title: "Using objects to model real problems" description: "Use objects, drawings, or simple number sentences to represent a real-world situation (early mathematical modelling)" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-objects-to-model-real-problems-mt_fLOkq-HfPB source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-objects-to-model-real-problems-mt_fLOkq-HfPB.md retrieved: 2026-10-19 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Using objects to model real problems Use objects, drawings, or simple number sentences to represent a real-world situation (early mathematical modelling) Subject: Mathematics · Area: Mathematical Thinking · Ages 5 to 6 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-objects-to-model-real-problems-mt_fLOkq-HfPB ## Ready when they can - 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 ## Lesson: Turning a story into numbers A math story is something that really happens. You can show it with pictures, objects, or numbers. The sign + means put together, the sign − means take away, and the sign = means the same amount. *(drawing: 3 stars, then 2 more join. That is 3 + 2 = 5.)* **Example.** Leo had 5 apples. He ate 2. Number sentence: 5 - 2 = 3. **Tip.** First draw or use objects for the story. Then write the number sentence. **Recap.** Turn what happens into pictures, then into a number sentence. ## Practice 17 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Sorting into categories](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/sorting-into-categories-mt_xppl18avyY) - [Addition and subtraction word problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7) ## Opens up - [Connecting maths to real life](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/connecting-maths-to-real-life-mt_f67qGDhyfi)