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Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 1

Lesson 1.3 More, Fewer, Same

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time
5 sessions of 15–20 minutes
Goal
Compare two groups. Use the words more, fewer and same.
You need
  • Counters (dried beans, buttons or pebbles)
  • Pencil and crayons
Print
Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page

Steps

  1. Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.

    • Ask: “What number comes just after 4?” Listen for: 5
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 5?” Listen for: 6
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 1?” Listen for: 2
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 3?” Listen for: 4
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 2?” Listen for: 3

  2. Say this: “To compare two groups, match them one to one. The group with some left over has more.”

    Say this: “If every thing has a partner, the groups are the same.”

    Say this: “More: a bigger amount.”

    Say this: “Fewer: a smaller amount.”

    Say this: “Same: equal; neither has more.”

  3. Show: Which is longer, A or B?

    two objects to compare

    Say this: “Both start at the same place. Compare the ends.”

    Say this: “B is longer.”

    Answer: B

    Show: Write <, > or = : 0 ___ 3

    Say this: “0 is less than 3.”

    Say this: “0 < 3”

    Answer: 0 < 3

  4. Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 4 ___ 4

    Listen for: 4 = 4

    If stuck: 4 is the same as 4.

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 3 ___ 3

    Listen for: 3 = 3

    If stuck: 3 is the same as 3.

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 5 ___ 5

    Listen for: 5 = 5

    If stuck: 5 is the same as 5.

    7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.

    • Thinking bigger objects mean more. Five peas are more than three apples.

  6. Put out 1 to 5 dried beans. Your child closes their eyes while you take some away, then says how many are left and how many you took. Swap roles.

  7. Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”

    Listen for: Compare two groups.; Use the words more, fewer and same.

  8. Count aloud from 1 to 10 and back from 10 to 1 every day, touching your fingers as you go.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 15–20 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

  1. Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
  2. Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
  3. Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
  4. Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
  5. Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.