More and Less Kindergarten activities help students compare quantities of objects. Using hands-on materials is a great way to introduce comparing numbers to students. Students identify which set of objects has more and which set has less. These activities help students to count objects and then compare the quantities.
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Young students need many opportunities to compare objects. They begin practicing these skills early on and gradually move from comparing objects to using numerals. First, I like to start off by counting a set of objects and then comparing which set has more or less. Then, we move to pictures of objects to compare. Finally, students can compare using numerals.
What Does Comparing Numbers Mean?
To compare means to look at the difference between numbers, quantities, or values to decide if it is greater than, less than, or equal to another quantity. Students either need to count the objects or be able to subitize to identify which group has more or less.
The Definition of Compare Numbers
Students start by comparing concrete objects and then move to comparing numbers. First, they use vocabulary such as greater than, less than, more than, fewer than, and equal to. Then, they begin to use the comparison symbols.
Examples of Comparing Numbers in Kindergarten
- 5 is greater than 3 (5 >3)
- 10 is less than 11 (10< 11)
- 10 is equal to 10. (10=10)
How to Teach Comparing Numbers in Kindergarten?
Comparing Numbers to 10 Kindergarten
K.CC.C.6 Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group. Use matching and counting strategies with groups with up to 10 objects.
K.CC.7 Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Alternatives to Comparing Numbers Kindergarten Worksheets
- Provide groups of objects for students to compare quantities to determine which has more and which has less.
- Make the two groups very obvious, so counting isn’t needed to determine which has more. The goal is to develop appropriate vocabulary, including greater than and less than.
- For example, show students a large bag of counters and a small bag of counters. Develop the concept and language of more and less. “The big bag has more than the little bag.” “The little bag has less than the big bag.”
- Show two bags that are the same size and introduce the idea of equal using the language of same as.
- Have students place numeral cards for each set next to the items and describe the comparison.
- Compare the number of items in two sets of objects and determine which has more and less.
- Once students recognize sets that are greater than or less than, give them situations in which they identify how much more or less than one set is compared to another set. Keep the difference between 1, 2, or 3 items.
- Provide situations where students identify equivalent sets. Use the words same as or equal to.
- Given two sets of concrete materials, students label each set with the appropriate numeral.
More or Less Games and Activities
- Matching- line up the items in each set using one-to-one correspondence. Which has set has more? Which set has less? How do you know?
- Observation- Students state that there are more or less based on what they “see.” This one can be difficult to explain how they know.
- Take away- Take away one item from each pile until all the items are gone. Then ask, which pile had more or less? How do you know?
- Compare & Count- Students count the number in each group and compare the counts.
- Comparing Bridge: After sorting students into two lines, have students put their arms up so that their hands touch the student’s hands across from them. Ask, Is there anyone without a friend from the other line? This will show which line has more or less. The activity can also be done with students sitting in two lines facing each other and putting their shoes together.
- Match up: Place two sets of counters or objects on the table. Then, make two lines of the objects with the objects matching up. Which line is longer?
Comparing Numbers Kindergarten Activities
More and Less Product Bundle
Are you looking for more or less resources? Here are over 1,300 Google Slides to help students build number sense by comparing numbers. Count and compare numbers to 5, then count and compare numbers to 10.
Students practice counting, representing the number of counters by entering the number into a text box. Then, compare the counters or numbers by circling the set with more and less.
Count, compare, and identify more or less with 132 Google slides for 10 different seasons/holidays with movable themed counters in this comparing numbers kindergarten resource. Included Seasons/Holidays: Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter, Holidays, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Spring, Easter, and Summer.
✌Included in Bundle: 10 Sets of 132 + Slides in Each SET of More or Less Activities Resource:
- Number 1-5 Scattered Counters (compare numbers to 5)
- Numbers 1-5 Counters in Five Frame (compare numbers to 5)
- Numbers 5-10 Scattered Counters (compare numbers to 10)
- Numbers 5-10 Counters in Ten Frames (compare numbers to 10)
- Numbers 1-10 Students move counters to show more, less or equal to
Comparing Numbers Kindergarten Task Cards and Activities
Comparing numbers in kindergarten with more and less practice. Build number sense with students by comparing numbers. Count and compare numbers to 5, then count and compare numbers to 10. Objects in a scattered formation, five frames, and ten frames.
Student practice counting by representing the number of counters by entering the number into a text box. Then, they compare numbers by circling the set with more or less. There are digital and print options for all 46 pages, which include task cards, comparing mats, and worksheets.
Included in the Winter Comparing Numbers Kindergarten Resource:
- Slides 1-18 Task Cards
- Slides 19-42 Comparing Mats
- Slides 43-46 Count and Compare Resources
Songs & Games for Comparing Numbers
Related Articles for Comparing Number Activities:
- What are Number Talks and Why are they Useful in the Primary Classroom?
- 3 Easy Tips for Awesome Math Talks in the Primary Classroom
- 5 Powerful Ideas to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset in Mathematics
- Top 3 Easy and Successful Alternatives to a Counting Worksheet
- Math is Fun- Comparing Numbers
Alternatives to a Worksheet Comparing Numbers
Students need hands-on opportunities to compare, and eventually, they can move to representations of objects to compare. Eventually, students will compare numerals.
- ☀Download this BONUS Guide with everything you need to cultivate a positive classroom community.
- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
- 👉Includes everything you need to start cultivating a more positive math classroom and students who love math. Download and get started today! Click here to download the Mindset Guide & Survey.
Themed counters are one way I like to count and then compare sets of objects. What type of more and less kindergarten activities do you like to use with students?
