- large plastic bin
- plastic drinking cups and bowls of various sizes
- three-column chart
- water
- estimate
- measure
MA Standards:
Mathematics/Counting and Cardinality/PK.CC.MA.4: Count many kinds of concrete objects and actions up to ten, using one-to-one correspondence, and accurately count as many as seven things in a scattered configuration.
Head Start Outcomes:
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method: Uses senses and tools, including technology, to gather information, investigate materials, and observe processes and relationships.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Mathematics/Number Sense 2: Connect many kinds/quantities of concrete objects and actions to numbers.
Mathematics/Measurement 13: Use estimation in meaningful ways and follow up by verifying the accuracy of estimations.
Mathematics/Measurement 14: Use nonstandard units to measure length, weight, and amount of content in familiar objects.
Guess and Count
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
Skills Focus: Math (Capacity, Counting, Estimating)
Educator Prep: Before the activity, fill a large plastic bin with about four inches of water.
Prepare a three-column chart with columns labeled “Children’s Names,” “My Guess,” “How Many.”
Tell children they are going to explore how many of one of the containers of water will fit into different sized containers. Draw attention to the chart and tell children they will estimate, or guess, how many of one container of water will fit into a different size container, or the same size container.
- Tell children that first they will choose two containers.
- Then they will estimate how many of one of the containers of water will fit into the other and dictate or write that number on the chart.
- Then they will pour water from one container into the other and count as they pour.
- Finally, they will write on the chart how many fit into the other container and see if their estimate was correct.
English Language Learners: Have children count with you in their home language. Say the words in English and have children repeat them after you. Repeat as children gain mastery.
Safety Note: Be sure to clean and disinfect the water table and the plastic containers daily and fill the table with fresh water each day.
Educator Tip: Be sure to have plenty of towels and/or a mop handy for clean-up of spills.