standard_description: Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this activity is for students to learn stage 3 of the Less, Same, More center. Students draw groups that have more, fewer, or the same number of images as a given group. Consider using a sheet protector or laminating the mats for students to use with dry erase markers. Otherwise, make multiple copies of the mats for each group.
MLR8 Discussion Supports.
If necessary, invite students to repeat their reasoning to describe their comparison to a partner using mathematical language: “Can you say that again using the words more/fewer/the same?”
Advances: Listening, Speaking
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Sheet protectors
Materials to Copy
Less, Same, More Mat
Image Cards Grade K
Required Preparation
Each group of 2 needs a set of cards from the blackline master.
Launch
Groups of 2
Give students the mats and cards.
“We are going to learn a new way to play the Less, Same, More center. It is called Less, Same, More, Drawings.”
“First, draw a card and place it at the top of the mat. Figure out how many things are on the card.”
Point to each square as you explain: “Draw three groups in the squares below. Draw one group that has fewer things, one group that has the same number of things, and one group that has more things.”
“Switch mats with your partner. Check to be sure you agree with the groups your partner made.”
“Choose one of the groups you drew to describe with a sentence using ‘more,’ ‘fewer,’ or ‘the same number’.”
“When you are finished, place a new card at the top of your mat and draw groups that have more, fewer, and the same number in the squares.”
Activity
10 minutes: partner work time
Activity Synthesis
Display the card with 5 dots in a number cube arrangement:
[IMG]
“Draw a group that has fewer images.”
1 minute: independent work time
“How many images are in the group you drew?”
Share responses.
“Did all of our groups have the same number of things? Why?” (No, some people drew groups with 2 things and some people drew groups with 4 things. 4 and 2 are both less than 5.)
“Did all of our groups have fewer than 5 things?” (Yes.)


aligns: no