Grades K–2

How can a group share things that cannot be split?

A group can share in more than one way. When six counters are divided equally between two children, each child gets three. Giving one counter to each child again and again keeps the two amounts matched.

In the diagramShare one counter with each childBefore: 6 countersBelow: groups after sharingChild 1Child 23 each · 0 unshared

Six counters are shared equally by two children. Each child gets three.

One toy cannot always be split into useful pieces. Taking turns shares the time to use it instead. An agreed order helps each child know when to wait and when the toy will be available.

Jobs can also be shared. One child puts away books while another gathers toys, so both jobs can happen. If everyone chooses the books, the toys are still left out. Matching amounts, sharing time and covering different jobs solve different problems. A group chooses an arrangement that fits what it needs to do.

Where these ideas lead

How can we share a small set equally?
Equal sharing means each person receives the same number from the set.
How can a group take turns?
A turn rule tells the group who goes next.
How can helpers cover every cleanup job?
A job plan must cover all the jobs, even when everyone has a turn.

Illustrations simplify the real processes; any invented quantities or records are identified in the text.

Sources

Common Core State Standards Initiative — Grade 1: Operations and Algebraic Thinking
National Council for the Social Studies — C3 Framework: K–2 civics and familiar-place maps
National Council for the Social Studies — Implementing C3: participation, rules and geographic reasoning
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start — Social Preschool: Goal P-SE 4
National Council for the Social Studies — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards

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