More, fewer, equal
Compare counts rather than spacing or object size.
Start with the objects ↓An idea to revisit first: Nothing left: zero →
Think with objects in front of you
After pairing one to one, the side with leftover objects has more.
Put four objects above and three below. Pair top and bottom objects. One top object remains, so the top row has more.
Knowing the numbers, we can say ‘4 is greater than 3’. We are comparing counts with numbers. Looking from the other side, 3 is less than 4.
Add one below: four and four. Nothing remains unmatched. Write 4=4. The sign = means that both sides have the same value.
Spreading one row out does not change its count. A longer row and a larger count are different questions. Check by matching again.
Listen one paragraph at a time
Now move the objects yourself
Make equal counts, then change the spacing. Explain with pairs why the counts remain equal.
Tap objects to mark what you have counted. There is no time limit.
First collection
Second collection
You may use small toys or blocks instead of the screen. Explain what stayed the same and what changed.
Check your idea with different examples
What does = mean, other than a place to write an answer?
You may speak or draw on paper. Look for these ideas in your explanation.
Continue reading, or pause here
How does the total change when objects are added? Continue to addition.