Free Daily Starters · Elementary
Lunch Count Choices
Decision Making · Two Columns
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One page for the student and one for the teacher, with the answer and what a strong response looks like. Print either or both.
Asha moves the lunch magnets on the board near the door. The cafeteria basket already holds yesterday's slip and a bent straw. The teacher needs today's lunch count for the office tray. A reading group is ready at the back table. Asha must finish the count and not hold up the group. Some choices help Asha work fast, but some make mistakes more likely.
Sort each choice into Works or Doesn't Work for Asha's lunch count.
| Works | Doesn't Work |
|---|---|
- 1. Count each lunch choice once, then place the slip in the office tray.
- 2. Guess the count from yesterday's slip.
- 3. Ask the teacher where to put a lunch choice that is missing.
- 4. Move all magnets into one pile and count later.
- 5. Count the hot lunch, cold lunch, and no school lunch groups separately.
- 6. Start reading group and leave the lunch board unfinished.
Think about it: What makes one choice better for a lunch count that must be quick and correct?
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