beginning MATH CONCEPTS with more, less and same

This week we’ve worked on counting with Balloon Dice and recognizing numbers with Number Hunt.  This activity works on another beginning math concept.  The ideas of more, less and the same; are important for kids to learn.  This activity is really geared more for older 4 year olds and 5 year olds, but I will include tips on modifying it to fit younger kids too.

what you need: More, Less and Same Cards ~ card stock ~ pennies

Using card stock I wrote the words; “More”, “Less” and “Same”.  Then I folded the card stock in half so they would stand on their own.  I printed and cut out the More, Less, Same cards.  I glued them onto black paper and cut those out, leaving a 1/2 inch to frame the cards.  I set a cup of pennies out and asked the kids to pick a card.  I asked them to look at that card and then put the same amount of pennies in front of the word “Same”.  I had them do the same for Less and More

Big M obviously has the concept down.  He knew just what to do and spent quite a bit of time working on each card.

Little M is still a bit young for this activity and had a hard time following the directions. . . I am excited to see what happens in the next few days.

Some ideas I have to ease her into this concept are:
1.  Let her make 3 piles of pennies and then place the labels where they go.
2.  Show her three examples of each term. (I already know this won’t work with Little M, but it might work for your little one).
3.  Focus on the terms with other things through out the day.  “Look there are more crackers than raisins.  Did you see, there are less pencils than pens.  You and I have the same amount of balls.”

This activity is a great one to leave out for the kids to explore on their own, as well as with a little adult attention.  I set up a little station in the kids playroom.
Do you have a place for these types of activities?  If not, take a look to see where you could add one.  Come back here and tell me all about it!!!