Compare two quantities (more, less, equal) up to 10 — concrete first, then symbols >, <, =

Given two collections of objects (up to 10 each), use one-to-one matching to determine which has more, which has less, or whether they are equal. Introduce the spoken language first (more, less, equal, same). Introduce the symbols >, <, = at end of unit at pictorial tier only — abstract use is not required at K-Fall (Spring will deepen).

Mastery threshold

90%

Min instances

Typical minutes

Spaced intervals (days)

1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60

Prereqs

Successors

math.gK.s.ns.compare_numerals_to_20
(not yet loaded)
math.g1.f.ns.compare_within_120
(not yet loaded)

Common misconceptions

Says 'more' for the row that occupies more space, even when it has fewer objects spread out (Piagetian conservation error — addressed by lining-up routine).
Says 'more' for the larger-looking objects (mistakes object size for quantity).
Confuses > and < direction (developmentally normal at K — the crocodile-mouth metaphor is a temporary scaffold).
Says 'equal' only when collections are identical objects (does not accept 5 apples = 5 cubes).

Exercise pool (3)

Diff	Stem	Type
2	Build a tower of 6 red cubes and a tower of 4 blue cubes. Stand them side by side. Which is more? How do you know?	line up and compare
2	Look at the two rows of picture cards. Match them one-to-one with a pencil line. Circle the row with MORE.	match and circle
4	Which is more — 8 or 5? Say it as a sentence: '___ is more than ___.'	numeral compare