# Day 49 — Choose a tool for the question

**25 minutes · AC9MFN01, AC9MFST01 and AC9MFA01 (fresh transfer checks); partial evidence · educator review pending**

**Success:** The child selects a relevant tool for a new number, data or pattern question and can show how it helps, while the teacher identifies evidence still missing from the portfolio.

**Prepare per pair:** number path/cards, ten-frames and counters, three category mats, original [D8/D9 decks](print-aids.md), pattern cards. Set out three clearly labelled stations; a child chooses two. Review the teacher's [evidence ledger](assessment.md) before class.

1. **Retrieve, 3 min.** Show a card `18`, a three-category data mat and a repeating circle/square strip. Ask which tool would help count, which would help sort, and which would help continue a pattern.
2. **Model, 5 min.** Use fictional D8: seven spade, one watering-can and two glove markers. Say the question first: “Which picture appears most?” Sort one at a time, count 7/1/2 and answer “spade.” Explain why the number path alone would not collect the data.
3. **Two-choice stations, 10 min.** One station: build/order a fresh numeral 0–20. One: collect/sort D8 or D9 and answer its given question. One: copy and continue an AB or AAB shape pattern. Pairs choose two, swap roles at each, and can work solo. Teacher focuses on a small roster of children whose evidence is missing.
4. **Fresh try, 4 min.** Give a small D9-style sample: four arrow, one dot and one stop marker. Ask the child to sort and say what appears most, what is tied and the total. If data evidence is already secure, use a fresh `17` set or AAB continuation and record that substitution.
5. **Check, 3 min.** Ask the child to name or point to the tool that helped. **Key:** D8 spade 7 most, watering can 1 fewest, total 10; full D9 arrow 6 most, dot and stop tied at 2, total 10; fresh sample arrow 4 most, dot and stop tied at 1, total 6. Other station answers depend on the chosen fresh numeral/pattern.

**If a child chooses an unhelpful tool:** Ask them to try it, notice what it cannot show, then offer two concrete tools to select from. Do not treat tool choice alone as proof of the underlying content; check the completed task.

**Access and record:** Provide labelled/tactile stations, plain text, large objects, AAC, sign and child-directed partner movement. Record the chosen question, tool, actual result and independence separately. Carry gaps into Day 50 or a later week.