Comparing Numbers Math Center Activities

Math activities for comparing numbers 1 to 10

I’m writing to share activities to help your students compare quantities and numbers. Keep reading for fun, hands-on, and free center activities.

In kindergarten, students learn how to compare 2 quantities by deciding which group is more or less using objects and drawings and comparing 2 quantities by looking at numerals.

How can students compare numbers?

There are 2 ways that students compare numbers: counting and matching objects. For example, when using connecting cubes, students can compare the tallness or shortness of cubes by placing them next to each other. They can see which tower is more or less by looking at the height. They can also use a ten frame or count objects.

If students understand that each number is 1 more than the number before it, they will be able to compare numbers without using counting or matching strategies and can make comparisons based on where the number is on the number line.

More, Less, and the Same

For students to demonstrate that they can compare quantities, they need to be able to use terms like more, less, the same, and fewer. Students usually understand and can accurately use more and less but need experience with developing their understanding of the concept. This comes with practice, practice, and more practice!

Strategies that Work

Model, model, model – Model the language for them. As you compare 2 quantities, think aloud so students can hear you talk through how you solved a problem.
Ask them questions – ask them questions to clarify or explain how they arrived at their answer. Don’t be too quick to explain or show them why their answer is correct or incorrect.
Allow them to practice this language with other students, not just you. Provide them with multiple opportunities to talk about math with a partner. Students learn as much from each other as they do from you, so provide opportunities for them to use the language using partner activities.
Experience – provide students with multiple experiences using a variety of mediums

Vocabulary Cards

Some students know how to compare 2 quantities but still need to practice the language. While introducing these terms, allow students to use manipulatives or role play.

Math vocabulary strip for comparing numbers

Question Cards

I use these question cards to ask students questions so they can explain their thinking. It’s math time, so ask students more questions and allow them to explain (not the other way around)!

Which is More? Or Less?

This activity is an example of a matching strategy that students can use to determine which quantity is more. They pick 2 cards, build the number and line them up to compare to figure out which is more, less, or the same.

Students compare quanities by lining up connecting cubes.

Build and Compare

Students pick a card and build a tower that is the same as, less than, and more than the number they picked and discuss their work with a partner.

Students pick a number card and build the same number, less than and more than the target number.

Mystery Cup

Mystery Cup is a great way to get students to compare 2 quantities using more and less as well as have that added bit of mystery!

Put several objects in a cup and have students pick 2 cups and count them. Then, have them discuss which cup has more or fewer objects. If you want to add a written component, you can have them draw a picture of how many objects are in each cup and circle the quantity that is the most or least.

Mystery Cup - students count the objects in the cup and show how many in a ten frame.

Grab, Count and Compare

Students grab 2 handfuls of cubes, count, and compare the quantities. Students share what is more and less and how they know.

Mystery Bag

This is a count around the room activity. Working with a partner, students count the objects in a bag and circle the object that has the most or least quantity.

Ten Frame Flash

Flash a ten frame and students build the number that is 1 more than what was shown.

Spin and Record 1 More (or Less)

This lesson is simple and interactive. Students spin the spinner and record 1 more until 1 number reaches the top. There are 3 different spinners: fingers, ten frame, and dots.

Spin and Record 1 More math center activity

To Greater Than and Beyond

This is a partner activity. Students pick a card, count, and compare. The partner with the most dots moves their token 1 space. The person to reach the finish line wins.

A fun partner game! Students pick a card and count the dots. The student with the most dots move their token 1 space. The student that reaches the finish line first wins.

Target Number

After they select a target number, they sort number cards by more than, less than, or equal to that number.

More than 5, Less than 5 or Equal to 5?

Another sorting activity. Students sort cards by whether the number or picture is more than 5, less than 5, or equal to 5. This is a collaborative activity that they can complete with a partner.

Students sort cards by whether the number or picture is more than, less than or equal to 5.

Roll and Cover

Students roll the die and cover 1 more than the number shown. They continue to play until they have covered the board.

Spin and Show

Another spinner game (who doesn’t love math lessons using a spinner?) Students spin the spinner and build 1 less or 1 more than the number shown.

Number Towers

Students pick a card, build a tower using connecting cubes and compare which number is more and less.

Bears in the Woods

Students put bears on the mat according to the rule.

Students put bears on the math mat according to the rule.

Fish in the Ocean

Students put fish on the mat according to the rule.

Students put manipulatives on the math mat according to the rule.

Missing Number / Number Writing Strips

Well, that’s all I have! Please be sure your ideas on how to teach primary students to compare numbers are in the comments section below.