Estimation is an essential skill.It is a good idea to teach your children estimation early in life so that they can begin to refine their abilities.Young children might struggle with the concept.There are many ways to teach estimation to children, such as using fun activities and explaining the concept.
Step 1: Explain that estimation is not easy.
Your child is familiar with the concept of guessing.Explain that the goal is to make educated guesses that are as accurate as possible.In situations where an exact number is not necessary, learning how to estimate effectively will allow you to save time and energy.
Step 2: Give examples.
You will see examples of estimation frequently if you pay attention.It is possible to estimate how much your grocery bill will be, how long it will take you to drive somewhere, or how many cups of milk are left in the carton.Explain the examples in a way that is appropriate for your child.Estimating, rather than calculating, is appropriate in the particular context when you give these examples.Tell your child that if you needed to know exactly what your grocery bill would be, you could add up all the prices and get a precise number, but in this case you're only trying to get an approximate number so that you don't spend too much
Step 3: Use flash cards.
You can reinforce the concept by showing your child a flash card or picture with multiple objects on it.If you want your child to estimate the number, show the card to them, but not for long.To close estimates, give high scores.Continue the game until your child comprehends the concept.
Step 4: There are activities that interest your child.
Tailor your activities to fit your child's interests.These activities should be fun.Children tend to have a lot of energy but little attention, so it's important for the activities you choose to entertain them.
Step 5: It is a good idea to teach visual isolation.
It can be difficult for a child to focus on the subject to be estimated.Simple games can be used to teach this skill.If you put red and blue balls on the floor, you might ask your child to guess how many there are.
Step 6: Play guessing games.
You can ask your child to guess how many things are in a bowl, jar, or box.Emphasize the need for estimation.There are online games that teach.Professor Puzzler will show various groups of colored dots, then take them away and ask for an estimation, if your child plays "Guess It!" at http://www.theproblemsite.com/junior/estimation.asp.The site will allow you to change the amount of time the dots stay on the screen for your child.
Step 7: The vocabulary of estimation needs to be emphasized.
Explain to your child that when people estimate, they use words such as about, approximately, or more or less.
Step 8: Your child should be taught how to plan.
Make sure your child knows that estimation is about making educated predictions.He or she should use visual signals to get as close to the numbers as possible.
Step 9: Be persistent.
Repetition is important.Children need to practice these skills a lot in order to master them.Don't give up on teaching estimation if you Vary the activities so that your child does not get bored.
Step 10: Your child should be rewarded for their progress.
Children will be more interested if you give them a reward.If you play a guessing game with jelly beans, you can give your child a few to eat when he or she makes a good estimate.If your child does well, let him or her keep the pennies.