Two Blocks, Two Places

Original lesson metadata

code: "EMP-HALV-L1-T1-WK1"
curriculum_id: "halving"
curriculum_name: "Halving"
level_id: "L1"
level_name: "All Ages"
age_line: "around 2 to around 6"
term: 1
week: 1
title: "Two Blocks, Two Places"
slug: "week-1"
aim: "Split two whole blocks into two equal groups and check one matches one."
blocks_this_week: 5
minutes_per_block: 6
weekly_minutes: 30
blocks: [{"n":1,"title":"See the Whole Starting Pair","minutes":6,"aim":"Identify the two blocks that belong to the starting group.","staging":"Place two blocks in the centre and leave both mats empty. Invite each child to indicate the two starting blocks, then move them apart within the centre so both remain visible. Close by checking that no block has joined from storage.","say":"Here are two blocks for this turn. Both belong to our starting group. Can you show me each one?"},{"n":2,"title":"Give One Block to Each Mat","minutes":6,"aim":"Place one of the two blocks on each mat.","staging":"Demonstrate one block to each mat, return them to the centre and offer the same distribution turn to each child. Read \"Give every block a partner on the other side.\" Close with both mats visible and the centre empty.","say":"Put one block on this mat. Put the other on that mat. What can you see on each side?"},{"n":3,"title":"Line Up the Two Partners","minutes":6,"aim":"Check the two groups by placing their blocks opposite each other.","staging":"Begin with one block on each mat, slightly out of line. Invite the child to place them opposite each other while keeping them on separate mats. Point to the pair in the close and ask whether either block has no partner.","say":"These two blocks can face each other. One is on each mat. Does either block need another partner?"},{"n":4,"title":"Start From the Other Side","minutes":6,"aim":"Share two blocks equally while choosing either mat first.","staging":"Reset both blocks in the centre and invite the child to choose which mat receives the first block. Keep the second mat available and close by pairing the two placed blocks. The chosen starting side does not change the task.","say":"You can choose the first mat. Where will the other block go? Check the two blocks when you finish."},{"n":5,"title":"Two Blocks Fully Shared","minutes":6,"aim":"Split two whole blocks into two equal groups and check one matches one.","staging":"Give each child two central blocks with empty mats and ask for a complete distribution and pair check. Let the child show one matches one, then check the centre is empty. Keep your hands still for the child's check, then return both blocks to the centre.","say":"Share both blocks between these mats. Show me how they match. Is any starting block still waiting?"}]
domains: ["M","PD"]
objectives: [{"domain":"M","text":"Split two whole blocks into two equal groups."},{"domain":"M","text":"Check that one block on one side matches one on the other."},{"domain":"PD","text":"Move one whole block to each of two mats."}]
materials: ["Ten matching large solid blocks from smooth untreated wood offcuts freely given and prepared by someone with suitable tools before the lesson, or an existing borrowed set; each must be safe for the children to handle and free of splinters, residue and loose parts","Two flat pieces of clean reclaimed cardboard, each roomy enough for six chosen blocks in a column with gaps","An old box kept by you for blocks outside the chosen total","The supplied Two Equal Groups Reference on an existing screen or copied onto used paper"]
space: "A stable low table or clear indoor floor holding two flat sharing mats at least fifty centimetres square, a central starting space and a clear view for up to four children. Enlarge either mat if six chosen blocks cannot fit in a column with clear gaps. Keep access around the edges so the active child can reach both mats by changing position without leaning over blocks."
differentiation: {"younger":"Use two blocks throughout and accept a pointed pair as the check, with one on each mat.","older":"Explain that both original blocks are used and neither mat has an extra block."}
watching_for: "Whether the child makes two groups of one and checks the two blocks as a pair instead of simply moving both from the centre."
resources: []
version: 1
date: "2026-09-09"
access: "Free"
publisher: "Empathy Global"
author: "Eric Gonzalez-Payne"
author_url: "https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gp/"
copyright: "© 2026 Empathy Global. All rights reserved."
licence: "Free to read. Licensed for use in any setting by holders of an Empathy Global account, free or paid. Not licensed for reproduction, redistribution, resale or use in a setting by anyone else."
source_url: "https://empathy.global/curriculum/halving/"

HALVING · TWO EQUAL GROUPS WITH WHOLE BLOCKS

ALL AGES · around 2 to around 6 · TERM 1, WEEK 1 · 5 × 6


DOMAINS: M, PD
CODE: EMP-HALV-L1-T1-WK1
DAY & DATE:

Objectives

M Split two whole blocks into two equal groups.
M Check that one block on one side matches one on the other.
PD Move one whole block to each of two mats.

Before the two mat turns

You may leave the other eight blocks on the table for convenience. Put them away. You need just the starting pair in sight, or the child can keep adding to it.

Two children will put both blocks on the nearer mat. Slide that mat slightly farther from their hands and indicate the empty mat with an open hand; then reset the two blocks in the centre for a fresh attempt.

One child will touch the same block twice while checking. Keep the two blocks opposite one another and point above each in turn. The closing check needs one on each side, not just two spoken counts.

How we use the sharing space

Stay beside the sharing surface with up to four children. Give individual turns. Keep unused blocks in your box outside the display.
Use matching large, solid, single piece blocks suitable for the children. Check for smooth surfaces, sound edges and no cracks, splinters, residue, loose fittings or detachable parts. No small counters, coins, beads, seeds, food or broken pieces. Keep blocks out of mouths.
Use a stable low table or clear floor and two flat sharing mats. Leave room for six blocks in each column with clear gaps and a starting group between the mats. Let children move around to reach, without leaning over blocks.
Place one block gently at a time. Keep fingers clear. No throwing, stacking, standing on blocks or carrying piles.
Keep blocks whole. No cutting, tearing, breaking or food sharing. The centre holds the starting group; it is not a third share.
Use every starting block and check every partner. Never add, hide or remove one to make the groups look equal. Keep any unmatched block visible and name the limit.
If anything unfamiliar enters, stop and move back without touching it. Continue in another clear place after the usual response.

Five Short Sharing Turns

See the Whole Starting Pair · 6 minutes

AIM: Identify the two blocks that belong to the starting group.

Use one minute to introduce the turn, four minutes for individual attempts with a reset between children, and one minute for the closing check. Place two blocks in the centre and leave both mats empty. Invite each child to indicate the two starting blocks, then move them apart within the centre so both remain visible. Close by checking that no block has joined from storage.

SAY: "Here are two blocks for this turn. Both belong to our starting group. Can you show me each one?"

Give One Block to Each Mat · 6 minutes

AIM: Place one of the two blocks on each mat.

Demonstrate one block to each mat, return them to the centre and offer the same distribution turn to each child. Read "Give every block a partner on the other side." Close with both mats visible and the centre empty.

SAY: "Put one block on this mat. Put the other on that mat. What can you see on each side?"

Line Up the Two Partners · 6 minutes

AIM: Check the two groups by placing their blocks opposite each other.

Use one minute to introduce the turn, four minutes for individual attempts with a reset between children, and one minute for the closing check. Begin with one block on each mat, slightly out of line. Invite the child to place them opposite each other while keeping them on separate mats. Point to the pair in the close and ask whether either block has no partner.

SAY: "These two blocks can face each other. One is on each mat. Does either block need another partner?"

Start From the Other Side · 6 minutes

AIM: Share two blocks equally while choosing either mat first.

Use one minute to introduce the turn, four minutes for individual attempts with a reset between children, and one minute for the closing check. Reset both blocks in the centre and invite the child to choose which mat receives the first block. Keep the second mat available and close by pairing the two placed blocks. The chosen starting side does not change the task.

SAY: "You can choose the first mat. Where will the other block go? Check the two blocks when you finish."

Two Blocks Fully Shared · 6 minutes

AIM: Split two whole blocks into two equal groups and check one matches one.

Use one minute to introduce the turn, four minutes for individual attempts with a reset between children, and one minute for the closing check. Give each child two central blocks with empty mats and ask for a complete distribution and pair check. Let the child show one matches one, then check the centre is empty. Record any gesture or supplied direction used.

SAY: "Share both blocks between these mats. Show me how they match. Is any starting block still waiting?"

If you have more time

After the pair check in block three, add two minutes to move one block farther back on its mat and restore the visible pair.

A small sharing conversation

Ask your child what it means for two blocks to have one on each side. Talking about the matched pair connects the arrangement with equal groups.

Look for a complete match

The child places one block on each mat, checks their partnership and leaves the centre empty.

Notes: