Activity
Guess the Amount with Your Own Estimation Jar!
An estimate is not just a random guess; it requires thought and reasoning. What better way to practice estimation than with a game? Help your child fine tune his critical thinking skills in relation to volume and size with this simple activity!
Grade
Subject
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- A medium-sized clear jar with lid
- Pennies, candy, grapes, seeds, paperclips, buttons, nuts, or anything else that can be easily counted
- Pencil
- Paper
What You Do:
- Fill the jar with the items of your choice, but don’t mix items. For example, if you use grapes, don’t put anything besides grapes inside the jar.
- Sit down with your child and write down an estimate. For the first estimation, just let him guess without much guidance from you.
- Count out the items with your child and compare the actual amount to the estimated amount.
- Refill the jar either with a different amount of the same item or with new items.
- Make a new estimation using what you learned from your first try. For example, if you used grapes but you put in fewer grapes the second time, discuss what that means with your child. (You know it will be less than the first actual amount.) Also, show him how you can count the grapes you see from the outside and make a guess based on that number!
The more frequently you do this activity the better your child will be at estimating, a skill that is essential in mathematics. To make it more interesting, try it with different items, amounts, and jars! You could also offer the items in the jar (candy, for example) as a prize for an accurate estimation!
Related learning resources
Rounding and Estimation
Workbook
Rounding and Estimation
Learn to lasso numbers with an estimation round-up! Rounding and estimation are tools that can help kids add or subtract large sums quickly. And it's a skill that they can use in everyday activities.
2nd grade
Math
Workbook
Practice Front-End Estimation
Worksheet
Practice Front-End Estimation
This math worksheet gives your child lots of practice with front-end estimation, addition, and subtraction.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Front-End Estimation
Worksheet
Front-End Estimation
Math whizzes can learn to estimate sums quickly using front-end estimation! Round to the highest place value and then add or subtract the rounded numbers.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Estimation Addition
Worksheet
Estimation Addition
Your child will learn to add up estimated sums quickly in his head.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Estimate Sums
Worksheet
Estimate Sums
How quickly can your math master round and add up these sums? Help him build a valuable math skill with this estimation worksheet.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Chinese New Year: Count the Foods
Worksheet
Chinese New Year: Count the Foods
Read about a few traditional Chinese New Year dishes, then use your counting skills to make your own banquet.
kindergarten
Math
Worksheet
Adding with the Hundreds Chart
Worksheet
Adding with the Hundreds Chart
Put your hundreds chart skills to the test by counting up the charts on this second grade math worksheet.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Exercise...with Dice!
Activity
Exercise...with Dice!
Run, jump, and skip your way to physical fitness as your exercise with dice! It's a perfect party or family game.
1st grade
Math
Activity
Estimate the Sum
Worksheet
Estimate the Sum
Estimate the sum in each of these math problems. Challenge your child to round to the nearest hundred first, then add the two rounded numbers.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Rounding to the Nearest Ten
Worksheet
Rounding to the Nearest Ten
Your math cowboy will practice rounding to the nearest ten with this worksheet.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Three Digit Addition with Regrouping
Worksheet
Three Digit Addition with Regrouping
Help your second grader get the hang of three-digit addition with this worksheet that breaks the concept down step by step.
2nd grade
Math
Worksheet
Rolling in the Money
Lesson plan
Rolling in the Money
Just a roll of the dice, and your students will be learning how to count money! In this lesson, they will be become familiar with the value of money.
2nd grade
Math
Lesson plan