Using more or less games makes learning fun and helps students practice using precise mathematical vocabulary. Students need multiple opportunities to count and compare objects using strategies and precise language. Using different seasonal counters is another way to change up games and activities.
Students who feel successful in math class are happier and more engaged in learning. Check out The Bonus Guide for Creating a Growth Mindset Classroom and Students Who Love Math for ideas, lessons, and mindset surveys for students to use in your classroom to cultivate a positive classroom community in mathematics. You can also sign up for other freebies from me Here at Easternshoremathteacher.com.
Focusing on number sense in the younger grades helps build the foundation necessary to compute and solve more complex problems in older grades. Taking time to count and compare objects daily with these easy-to-use digital slides builds a strong number sense foundation. I like to use them as a daily warm-up in my math class or as a center since they are no prep. Students love to count the digital counters and then determine which has more or less.
Comparison of Numbers
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.
Compare Numbers Definition
Students start by comparing concrete objects and move to compare numbers. First, students use vocabulary such as greater than, less than, more than, fewer than, and equal to. Then, begin to use the comparison symbols.
Examples of Comparing Numbers
- 5 is greater than 3 (5 >3)
- 10 is less than 11 (10< 11)
- 10 is equal to 10. (10=10)
Compare Numbers For Kindergarten Students
Comparing Numbers in Kindergarten
- 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.
- Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Alternatives to Worksheets on Comparing Numbers
- Provide groups of objects for students to compare quantities to determine which has more or 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. Try out Compare Numbers Anchor Chart and Mats for visuals for students.
- Have students place numeral cards for each set next to the items and describe the comparison.
- Try out the More or Less Products.
How to Compare Numbers in Math
- Matching- line up the items in each set using one-to-one correspondence. Which 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 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. More or Less Digital Products.
Number 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 than or how much less than one set is compared to another. 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. Try out the More or Less Bundle.
More or Less Games
Comparing Bridge Game
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. In addition, you can create a deck of “more” and “less cards.” Flip over a card, and the team that matches the card- “more” or “ less” gets the point.
Match-up Game:
Partners play this game by dumping out some counters. Then, make two lines of the objects with the objects matching up. Then, use a deck of cards or die labeled “more” or “less” to determine which player gets the point. This is a great partner game for counting and comparing objects.
Digital Activities:
These resources have digital slides for students to identify counters that have more or less in a scattered formation or in five and ten frames. Check out the More or Less Bundle.
There are also plenty of online games for comparing numbers such as Comparing Numbers Game- ABCYA
Compare Numbers Anchor Chart
The goal is to have students develop the vocabulary of greater than (more than) and less than (fewer than) to compare the number of items in two sets. Having anchor charts in the classroom is a great tool to help students remember these math talk words. Try out Compare Numbers Anchor Chart and Mats for visuals for students.
Related Articles
- 5 Powerful Ideas to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset in Mathematics
- Top 3 Easy and Successful Alternatives to a Counting Worksheet
- What Are Fast and Easy Alternatives to Worksheets on Comparing Numbers?
Comparing Numbers Vocabulary
Students develop the vocabulary of greater than (more than) and less than (fewer than) to compare the number of items in two sets.
Next, students use various strategies that make sense to compare things in two groups and explain their reasoning. Eventually, students will identify how many more and how many fewer items one set has than another.
In addition, recognize two sets with the same number of objects using the “same as” description.
More or Less Activities
Using these ideas to compare numbers helps develop students’ number sense and the foundation for more advanced math. In addition, using games in math class improves engagement and creates a positive mindset.
Students who feel successful in math class are happier and more engaged in learning. Check out The Free Ultimate Guide for Creating a Growth Mindset Classroom and Students Who Love Math for ideas, lessons, and mindset surveys to use in your classroom. You can also sign up to receive other freebies from me Here at Easternshoremathteacher.com.
Finding time to play math games and practicing using precise mathematical vocabulary are essential in a math classroom. So what are some fun more or less games you like to play?
