The note
How schools teach it now
Children work out what each small step is worth: take the gap between two numbered marks and divide by the number of spaces (not lines) between them.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Get out the kitchen scales, a measuring jug and a ruler. Ask what each small mark is worth on each one. Then ask your child to pour exactly 350 ml of water.
Worked example
On a jug, there are 4 small marks between 200 ml and 300 ml. The water is at the third small mark above 200 ml. How much water is there?
- 4 marks between make 5 equal spaces.
- Each space is 100 ÷ 5 = 20 ml.
- Three spaces above 200: 200 + 60 = 260.
Answer: 260 ml
Common mistakes to watch for
- Counting the lines instead of the spaces.
- Assuming every small mark is worth 1 or 10.
- Reading the wrong side of a jug with two scales.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “What's each little step worth?”
- Rather than
- “Just read the number, it's right there.”