Close, Far, In Between

Grade 5 Mathematics
Routines - Close, Far, In Between

Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP): #1, #2, #3, #6

In this routine, "Close, Far, In Between" from Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics, Van de Walle focuses on number sense development and relative magnitude. Relative magnitude refers to the size relationship one number has with another.

Three numbers are displayed for students to consider. These can be written on the board, chart paper, or shown using the document camera. In addition, the PowerPoint below includes samples and may be used as a template for you to create more of your own. For first and second graders, use 2 digit numbers. Third grade might start with 3 digit numbers and as an added challenge for other intermediate grades, numbers may include fractions, decimals, and positive/negative integers. With these three numbers as referents, ask questions such as the following and encourage discussion of all responses.

Download Close, Far, In Between Sample

Primary questions with 2 digit numbers:CloseFarInBetween.png

  • Which two are closest? Why?
  • Which is closest to 50? 100?  How do you know?
  • Name a number that is more/less than all of these.
  • Name a number that’s greater than ____ and less than ____.
  • If these are big numbers, what are some small numbers?  Numbers about the same?  Numbers that make these seem small?

Intermediate questions with 3 digit numbers:

  • Which two are closest? Why?
  • Which is closest to 300? to 250? How do you know?
  • Name a number (or a multiple of ___) between ___ and ____.
  • Name a number that is more/less than all of these.
  • About how far apart are ____ and 500?
  • If these are big numbers, what are some small numbers?  Numbers about the same?  Numbers that make these seem small?

Intermediate questions with fractions/decimals:

  • Which two are closest? Why?
  • Which is closest to 1 whole? to 1/2? to 0?
  • Name a fraction/decimal between ____ and ____.
  • Name a number that is more/less than all of these.
  • About how far apart are ____ and ____?
  • Can you name a fraction/decimal that is close to ____?
  • Which two when added together would be more than ___? less than ___?

Intermediate questions with positive/negative integers included in the sample PowerPoint.

 

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