Why it helps: Shapes and space: picturing a shape turned around, like fitting a jigsaw piece.

Why it helps: Looking closely: spotting when two things are exactly alike, like finding the other sock.

Why it helps: Reasoning out loud: finding the ways two things are alike and putting them into words.

Why it helps: Categories: sorting a whole set by one rule and saying why, like tidying toys away.

Why it helps: Categories and reasons: saying what the others share and why one does not fit.

Why it helps: Putting in order: each one is bigger than one neighbour and smaller than the other.

Why it helps: Asking good questions: finding the answer by ruling several out at once, not guessing one by one.