Estimating is an important skill that helps students develop number sense. It can help them double-check answers to math problems and eventually help them solve real-world problems, like estimating how much time something will take or the total cost of items in a shopping cart. This learning center aims to help students practice estimating in a way that supports critical thinking because it gives students the estimate first!

Students grab a set of 10 cards and a student page. Each card displays a random assortment of small black rectangles. The student page lists the estimates on each page from 10 to 100 in increments of 10. Students put the cards in order from the fewest shapes to the most shapes. Then, they write the number of the card next to the estimate that is the closest match. For example, they would write card number 6 next to the estimate of 10 that is displayed on the page.

None of the cards display the exact amount. They all include one or two more or less of each estimate. For example, card 6 has 11 small black rectangles. That way, if students count the small black rectangles, they still have to decide which number is closest to which estimate.

The learning center includes both student and teacher directions to set up the folder. It also includes an answer page that lists the card number that goes with each estimate, as well as the actual number of small black rectangles on each card.