Building Number Sense Before School Age

We know that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers need opportunities to explore with their hands. Sometimes it is hard to move children from exploration activities to higher level comparisons and questioning. 

Activity 1: Less than More Than

Step 1:  Take two containers and label them “ 1” and “2”.

Step 2: Student counts items in each container.  “Which container has more stars (objects)?”

Step 2: Student counts items in each container.  “Which container has more stars (objects)?”  "Which container has the greatest amount of stars?"

Step 3: Keep doing the activity.  Repetition is important. Make sure to do the activity with an empty container.  It is important for the child to see what “zero” or “none” looks like.

Extension:  After the student understands the words "more" and "greater than."  Take time to move to "less than"  and "least."

Look for "Number Sense: Counters, Scoops, and Rice Activities" @ our TPT store.