OBAN ORACLE

Maths Matters

with Mrs Trend

Let’s Talk About Estimation!

 

Estimation is one of those handy maths skills we use in everyday life without even thinking about it. Whether it’s guessing how many people are at a party, how much dinner might cost, or how long it’ll take to drive to school. It helps students build number sense, make reasonable predictions, and check if their answers make sense.

 

So what is Estimation?

Estimation is making a smart, reasonable guess about a quantity, total, length, time, or outcome. It’s not about being exact. It’s about thinking flexibly with numbers and making judgments based on what makes sense in a situation.

How You Can Help at Home

Estimation is easy to weave into daily routines and conversations. The more opportunities kids have to estimate, the stronger their number sense becomes!

  • Guess and Check: Estimate how many pegs in the basket, then count to check.
  • Estimate the Total: “How much do you think our shopping will cost today?”
  • Length and Distance: “How many steps from here to the letterbox?”
  • Estimate Time: “How long do you think it will take to clean your room?”

Activities by Year Level

Foundation–Year 2:

  • Estimate quantities to 20, then count to check.
  • Estimate whether objects are heavier, lighter, longer, or shorter than others.
  • Make quick, reasonable guesses during games and play.

Year 3–4:

  • Estimate totals when adding and subtracting two- and three-digit numbers.
  • Use estimation to check if an answer is reasonable.
  • Estimate lengths, masses, and capacities using everyday items.

Year 5–6:

  • Round numbers to estimate more efficiently (e.g. estimate 198 + 403 by rounding to 200 + 400).
  • Estimate decimal totals in measurement and money problems.
  • Predict outcomes in probability or data activities (e.g. “How many heads if we toss a coin 50 times?”)

 

Quick Call-Back Ideas

In the car, kitchen, or backyard:

  • “Estimate how many steps it’ll take to get to the car.”
  • “Guess how many lollies are in the jar — then count.”
  • “Estimate 47 + 86 without working it out exactly.”
  • “How long do you think it’ll take for the cake to bake?”

 

Little estimating challenges like these make maths meaningful, practical, and fun — while strengthening reasoning and number sense.

 

Thank you for supporting your child’s maths learning in everyday moments. Estimation is a valuable life skill that helps students think flexibly and check the reasonableness of answers.

 

— Mrs Trend and The Numeracy Team 🎲✨