The note
How schools teach it now
Not taught as a topic, though maths problem-solving uses similar thinking. The 11+ strategy: draw it. Write names in a line from tallest to shortest, sketch the seats, or draw circles for clubs, adding one clue at a time.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Line up five pieces of cutlery or Lego figures and give each a name. Read out clues (Fork is left of Spoon; Knife is in the middle) while your child arranges them. Then let your child set the clues for you.
Worked example
Amy is taller than Ben. Cara is shorter than Ben. Dev is taller than Amy. Who is the second tallest?
- Write Amy above Ben, then Cara below Ben.
- Dev goes above Amy.
- The order, tallest first, is Dev, Amy, Ben, Cara.
Answer: Amy
Common mistakes to watch for
- Trying to hold everything in their head instead of drawing it.
- Mixing up taller and shorter, or left and right.
- Choosing something that might be true rather than must be true.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “Draw it out. Clear diagrams make clear thinking.”
- Rather than
- “You're overthinking it, just pick one.”