Unit Plan 23 (PreK Math): Compare Numbers to 10

Focus: Use manipulatives and visuals to compare two sets (up to 10) and numerals (to 5); communicate more, fewer, and same, and begin reading simple numeral comparisons.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Comparing Quantities & Numerals)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children explore comparing how many by looking at two sets and deciding which has more, fewer, or the same. They practice pairing and lining up items to compare to 10, and begin comparing numerals to 5 with concrete support.

Essential Questions

• How can I tell if one group has more, fewer, or the same as another?
• What strategy helps me compare without losing track?
• How does a numeral show how many in a set?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Compare two sets up to 10 using pair off, line up, and match-to-count strategies.
2. Decide whether sets are more, fewer, or the same and explain how they know.
3. Compare numerals (0–5) and connect numerals to sets that show the same amount.
4. Use tools (five-/ten-frames, number path) to support accurate comparing.
5. Communicate thinking with math words and gestures.

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

• PK.CC.7 — Compare sets (more, fewer, same) to 10. Compares two groups with/without counting (small numbers). Example: Sees 4 apples vs 6 apples and says “6 is more.” Aligns to: K.CC.6 (direct).
• PK.CC.8 — Compare numerals 0–5. Says which numeral is greater/equal in simple pairs. Example: “5 is more than 3.” Aligns to: K.CC.7 (subset).
• Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded (perseverance; sense-making; modeling/tools; precision; structure/regularity).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell which set has more, fewer, or the same.
• I can pair items or line them up to compare.
• I can match a numeral to a set and say which numeral is greater.