What is on a handout

  • The big idea: the rule, in a few short sentences.
  • Watch me: worked examples, each with why it changes as it does.
  • Watch out: the mistakes children often make, struck through beside the right answer.
  • Try it together: a few items or problems to do as a class, with an answer key.
  • On your own: the practice sheet that comes next.

How to teach with it

  • Measure the class's hand spans in mm and write them on the board. Ask how many are exactly the same: very few. Then sort them into groups of 10 mm and the pattern appears.
  • Read the big idea aloud, then work through Watch me together, saying why each one changes.
  • Ask the class to find the mistake in each Watch out before you show the answer.
  • Do Try it together as a class, check it with the answer key, then hand out the practice sheet.

Practice worksheets

After the handout, in this order: the main practice sheet first, then more practice, then quick checks.