The idea of equal value is fundamental to mathematical understanding. Children need to understand that the “=” symbol means “equal value” and not “here is the answer”.
Ask:
How can you make the scales balance?
Which Numicon® shape could go in the pan balance?
What about this one?
How are you going to solve it? Explain your thinking.
What if ………..you changed the shapes?
Now using numerals.
Can you model this with the pan balance and Numicon® shapes?
What’s the missing number? Explain how you know. Record the sentence.
Make up some of your own.
Make sets of problems like this to put with a pan balance in your enhanced provision.
Digit Dog Challenges 