Showing Your Working
Show and tell how a mathematical answer was found using objects, drawings, and spoken words
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Showing your working records how you found an answer. A drawing, number sentence, table, or labeled step lets someone else follow your thinking.”
Bring to the table
- Paper
- Pencil
- 8 small objects
Full guide and materials
- Paper
- Pencil
- 8 small objects
- Step 1. Solve a 5 + 3 story with objects.
- Step 2. Draw the objects and write 5 + 3 = 8.
- Step 3. Solve a second problem with a number line or labeled jumps.
- Step 4. Explain which marks show the thinking rather than only the answer.
- Quick check. Give one new problem. Success means your child gets or corrects the answer and leaves a readable representation of the steps.
Worked example. For 7 − 2, draw seven dots, cross out two, count five, and write 7 − 2 = 5.
Optional challenge. Show the same solution in two ways and compare which is easier to understand.
What to notice. Save a photo of one solved problem with visible working, or a short note describing how your child represented the steps.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
Showing your working records how you found an answer. A drawing, number sentence, table, or labeled step lets someone else follow your thinking.
Solve three small story problems and show each solution in a different clear way.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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Check 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
“After your child 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?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Meta
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Mathematical Thinking
- Age range
- Ages 5–6