Your Child Will Learn
How to estimate amounts and compare “more” and “less”
Here’s What to Do
- Start with a pile of 10-20 coins (or other small objects) and ask your child to put some in two clear bags.
- Ask your child to describe which bag they think has more and less, and to estimate how many coins are in each bag.
- Check your child’s answer by drawing a 1-10 number line on a piece of paper. Show your child how to place one coin on each number to count the coins from the first bag.
- Ask your child to place the coins from the second bag on the number line, counting as they go. Compare the amounts from each bag.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Gather some coins from around the house. Move them around and notice the different sounds they make.
ENGAGE
- “Which bag do you think has more coins? Less? How many coins do you think are in both bags?”
- “I’m going to place one coin on each number on this number line and count as I go. One, Two, Three… Let’s do your bag now! One… Two… Which bag has more? Less?”
ENCOURAGE
- When your child is guessing the amounts in the bags, it’s okay if they get the wrong answers. This game is more about practicing estimation and comparing “more” and “less.”
- If your child has a hard time visualizing the amounts in the bags, take out the coins and hold them in your hands instead. See if they can determine “more” or “less” just by looking at the piles.
REFLECT
- “How did you guess the amount of coins in the bags?”
Not Quite Ready
Play the game with fewer coins- 5 or less in each bag.
Ready for More
Play the game with more coins- up to 20 in each bag.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to accurately understand which is “more” or “less” (when comparing groups up to 10 objects).
Time to Complete
10 minutes
Materials Needed
10-20 coins or other small objects, 2 small clear bags, paper and pencil