The Doorbell Rang

Two children are about to share a plate of cookies (six each) when the doorbell rings and two friends come in (three each), then two more (two each) and then six more arrive! The story ends when Grandma arrives with huge plateful. This story can be acted out, the numbers changed and questions posed. For younger children, sharing, say 14, between two people and then solving the problem of how to share with one more person is interesting, especially with the remainders.

This book is also explored in an NRICH Early Years activity.