Pictures of Numbers
Why do this problem?
This problem is designed to help learners to see numbers in many different ways. This can help them to abstract out what is sometimes known as "the two-ness of two". Doing the problem should promote discussion between pairs working together.
Possible approach
You could show the group two or three pictures from
this sheet, enlarged if the group is not small, and ask learners which numbers they think are represented. Make sure that they know what 'consecutive' means.
After this you could introduce the problem as it stands and get the group to work in pairs on it so that they are able to talk through their ideas with a partner.
At the end of the lesson the group could come together to discuss what they have done, which numbers they decided were missing and how they represented them in their own illustrations.
Key questions
What number do you think this picture represents?
Could it be another number?
How far have you sorted the pictures?
What does 'consecutive' mean?
Which do you think is the lowest/highest number?
Possible extension
Learners could make their own pairs of pictures, one harder than the other, representing various numbers for others to sort out.
Possible support
Suggest just trying to sort out the pictures on this sheet.