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Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 2

Lesson 2.3 Comparing Numbers to 10

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 numbers to 10. Say which is greater or less.
You need
  • Counters (dried beans, buttons or pebbles)
  • A ten-frame (printables pack)
  • 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 before 4?” Listen for: 3
    • Ask: “What number comes just before 6?” Listen for: 5
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 3?” Listen for: 4
    • Ask: “What number comes just after 4?” Listen for: 5
    • Ask: “What number comes just before 5?” Listen for: 4

  2. Say this: “A number that comes later when we count is greater.”

    Say this: “On a number path, numbers to the right are greater.”

    Say this: “Greater: more.”

    Say this: “Less: fewer, smaller.”

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

    two objects to compare

    Say this: “Both stand on the same line. Compare the tops.”

    Say this: “A is taller.”

    Answer: A

    Show: Write <, > or = : 8 ___ 8

    Say this: “8 is the same as 8.”

    Say this: “8 = 8”

    Answer: 8 = 8

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

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 7 ___ 8

    Listen for: 7 < 8

    If stuck: 7 is less than 8.

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 10 ___ 1

    Listen for: 10 > 1

    If stuck: 10 is more than 1.

    Ask: Write <, > or = : 0 ___ 1

    Listen for: 0 < 1

    If stuck: 0 is less than 1.

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

    • Saying the first number is always greater. Check by counting.

  6. Fill a ten-frame with buttons, show it for three seconds, then cover it. Your child says how many. Five-and-some-more patterns become quick.

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

    Listen for: Compare two numbers to 10.; Say which is greater or less.

  8. Count to 20 aloud. Then hold up fingers for a number and have your child say it without counting.

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.