Why Find the Shortest Route works

Compare several routes between the same start and goal and identify the shortest by counting segments or steps. Trace the first possible route and count its segments. Record or remember that count.

Set up — Trace the first possible route and count its segments

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to trace the first possible route and count its segments. Use the result of having the child trace the first possible route and count its segments as the setup for the move into record or remember that count. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects while that starting condition is being established.

Step 2 — Record or remember that count

Keep the pace slow while the child tries to record or remember that count. If the effect is hard to see, simplify that action before continuing with the instruction to trace the second route and count again.

Step 3 — Trace the second route and count again

Treat the attempt to trace the second route and count again as a checkpoint between the earlier step to record or remember that count and the coming step to compare the totals before choosing. A perfect answer is not required.

Step 4 — Compare the totals before choosing

After completing the instruction to compare the totals before choosing, pause and ask what changed from the earlier step where they had to trace the second route and count again. Use that answer to decide whether they are ready to check any third route to confirm the shortest option.

Step 5 — Check any third route to confirm the shortest option

Keep the adult prompt brief while the child tries to check any third route to confirm the shortest option. If needed, return to the earlier step to compare the totals before choosing before asking them to check any third route to confirm the shortest option.

What to notice before Check any third route to confirm the shortest…

Keep adult commentary light while the child works toward compare the totals before choosing. Their own response should show which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer before the activity finishes with the request to check any third route to confirm the shortest option.

Make Trace the second route and count again easier or harder

For younger or less confident players, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious before the step to trace the second route and count again. If the child asks for more, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule and then return to the final request to check any third route to confirm the shortest option.

Finish after Check any third route to confirm the shortest…

Check any third route to confirm the shortest option. Stop there while the rule and result are still easy to remember. Find the next activity in the activity search, or make a new one with the activity generator.