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Marker Estimation Jars

By Karen Cox | Affiliate Disclosure | Filed Under: Estimation, Math

These are the estimation jars I had in my classroom math center recently. Our school library (in a PreK-8th grade school where I once taught) there was an estimation jar with a lot of little items in it, such as jelly beans. It was not easy even for me to estimate a big jar full of jelly beans or candy corn, so I don’t know how young children could even begin to estimate the amount.

Marker Estimation Jars

Here’s how I made estimation jars for Pre-K that will make more sense to the children. I made four jars:

  • The first jar had one marker in it with a numeral 1 taped to the front.
  • The second jar had three markers with a numeral 3 taped to the front.
  • The third jar had six markers with a numeral 6 taped to the front.
  • The last jar had ten markers with a question mark taped to the front.

This way, the children can see what one marker looks like in a jar, what 3 looks like, and what 6 looks like. They can then use that visual knowledge to estimate how many are in the last jar.

marker estimation jars @ prekinders.com

I placed a basket of recording sheets beside the jars for the children to write their guesses. (Download link to the recording sheets below.) After everyone has had an opportunity to guess, we will count the markers in the last jar during our large group time.

marker estimation jars @ prekinders.com

I’m planning to put different items in the jars each month, so the children will have a lot of practice during the year. I know someone will ask: the jars I used came from Walmart (kitchen area) and they are clear plastic. The lids fit on with a rubber seal so they don’t come off too easily.

Download: Marker Estimation Printable

marker estimation jars @ prekinders.com
This was a first attempt. Hopefully with practice, their guesses will get better.

Estimation Jars for the Year

AugustMarkers
SeptemberPaintbrushes
OctoberPlastic Pumpkins or Spider Rings
NovemberPinecones (same approximate size)
DecemberCandy Canes or Ball Ornaments
JanuaryWhite Styrofoam Balls (“Snowballs”)
FebruaryCandy Hearts or Plastic Hearts
MarchSmall Plastic Animals or Bugs (same approximate size)
AprilEaster Eggs
MaySand Volume & Water Volume
JuneSeashells (same approximate size)
JulySmall Bouncy Balls (“Beach Balls”) or Small Fruit (Kiwi or Strawberries)

More to estimate:

  • Straws
  • Tree nuts (pecans or other)
  • Gift bows (Christmas or Birthday theme)
  • Bear counter manipulatives
  • Unifix cubes
  • Marbles
  • Cube dice

(Clipart by Rainbow Sprinkle Studio.)

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About Karen Cox

Karen is the founder of PreKinders.com. She also works as a full-time Pre-K teacher in Georgia. Read more...

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Glad you're here! You'll find hands-on learning activities, themes, and printables for Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten kids. I'm Karen Cox, a Pre-K teacher in Georgia. I have taught 4-5 year olds for 20+ years! Read More…

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Get FREE weekly updates!
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We collect, use, and process your data according to our Privacy Policy.
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