Mathematics·Mathematical Thinking·meta
Showing Your Working
Show and tell how a mathematical answer was found using objects, drawings, and spoken words
Suggested ages 5–6
Learning journey
Your child is beginning to think like a mathematician — using objects and pictures to solve problems, explaining their reasoning, noticing patterns, and connecting maths to real-world situations.
Evidence of understanding
- Use objects or drawings to demonstrate how an addition or subtraction was solved
- Respond to 'how do you know?' by pointing to objects or a drawing and describing what was done
- Listen to a peer's explanation and say whether they agree or disagree
Assessment prompt
After Showing Your Working solves a maths problem, can they explain how they got their answer — using counters, a drawing, or words — rather than just writing down the final number?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.