The purpose of this activity is for students to consider different comparison statements and find the group of objects that matches each statement. This activity gives students more experience with comparison language that they will be asked to produce in the next activity. Other red and blue materials, such as pattern blocks, can be used if needed to create all the bags.

• Display 4 red cubes and 5 blue cubes.
• “Finish this sentence. There are more ___ cubes than ___ cubes.”

The purpose of this activity is for students to have multiple opportunities to compare groups of objects and describe their comparisons using the language “more,” “fewer,” and “the same number.” In making comparisons, students have a reason to use language precisely (MP6). When students compare the number of cubes in the towers, they may need to work on a surface, such as a whiteboard, so that they can line up and match the cubes in each tower. This activity can also be adapted to happen at tables or desks, with students moving seats to switch partners.

• Invite two students to come to the front of the room with their cube towers.
• “How can we use ‘more,’ ‘fewer,’ or ‘the same number’ to talk about these towers?”

The purpose of this activity is for students to choose from activities that offer practice with number and counting concepts. Students choose any previously introduced stage from these centers:

• Fewer, Same, More
• Shake and Spill
• Math Fingers
• Pattern Blocks
• Picture Books

• “Why is it important to put our center materials away neatly?” (So we will know where everything is next time we work in these centers.)