During early childhood, your honeybee is introduced to numerical correspondence. This is the ability to match objects to their corresponding numbers while recognizing numbers as symbols which represent a quantity or value. Numerical symbols are abstract, so the ability to demonstrate correspondence is necessary before advancing in mathematical skills. If your honeybee is still learning to make the connection between language, symbol, and quantity then they are likely not ready for this activity. Once your honeybee has established understanding with correspondence, then they can begin comparing numbers.
When mathematically comparing, we are examining the differences and similarities between the value or quantity of numbers. Your honeybee will begin to define whether a number is greater than, less than, or equal to other numbers. It is important that the notion of comparing numbers is introduced through hands-on learning; this provides concrete evidence to an abstract concept. The purpose of concrete representation (materials or manipulatives) is to ensure thorough understanding of quantities and comparisons.
In this activity, your honeybee will compare numbers using Legos! The goal of this activity is to identify the corresponding number associated with a collection of objects while practicing, self-correcting and demonstrating understanding of comparative numbers. In addition, this activity flexes your honeybee’s executive function by focusing on task initiation, self-monitoring, and organizing. This multi-step activity is recommended for honeybees 6+.
What you’ll need:
• Colored construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Clothespins (or popsicle sticks)
• Sharpies
There is a hungry alligator on the loose! We call him the Greater Gator! Why? Well, if given the choice, he always eats the greater number! You ready? Let’s get to work!
1. Create a comparing board with the colored construction paper of your choice. Cut two smaller squares and glue them to the top half of your board horizontally. Be sure to leave space in the center of the two squares.
2. With construction paper, cut two sets of tiles and label them 1-10. Put to the side for later.
*Optional Montessori Tip* cut green tiles for numbers 1-9 and a blue tile for number 10. This is done for place value representation.
3. Create a “greater-than” symbol (alligator) with two clothespins. Open pins and attach them together at their corners. With connected corner facing the left, write “is less than” on symbol. With connected corner facing the right (other side), write “is greater than”. Decorate your symbol to look like an alligator. Cut a white tile and write “<”; this will be the abstract mathematical symbol.
4. Create equal sign with one clothespin. Pull apart clothespin and remove metal spool. Write “is equal to” on pin. Decorate symbol to your liking. Cut a white tile and write “=”; this will be the abstract mathematical symbol.
5. Set up the learning station. Place the comparing board in the center of the table. On the left of the board, vertically sequence the numbers tiles. Repeat step with second set of tiles to the right of the board.
*Optional Montessori Tip* Place 1-9 tiles in one column and the 10-tile to the left in a separate column. This is done for place value representation.
6. Place the Legos, greater than symbols, and equal sign (clothespins and white tiles) above board.
7. Create first Lego tower and place it on the board’s left square. Match the corresponding number tile to the number of Lego pieces used. Repeat step with a second Lego tower on the board’s right square.
8. Determine which tower your alligator would want to eat. Remember, he is VERY hungry, and will always eat the greater number. His open mouth will face the greater quantity! Place clothespin between the two towers in the appropriate direction. Match with abstract “<” symbol between the number tiles found below.
9. Practice reading the number sentence twice. Once from left to right with Lego towers and clothespins (concrete) and again with number tiles and symbol tile (abstract). Example: 9 is greater than 3, so 9>3.
10. Repeat steps to create several comparative number sentences.
*Modify this activity to your honeybee’s ability!*
(This is a complex process for you and your honeybee. Please check out the attached video for visual step-by-step directions!)
Be sure to have conversations about comparing numbers. Encourage questions and comments. Remember, every honeybee is different. This is a tricky concept and patience is needed.
Use the proper language with your honeybee; they are smarter than you think!
Language to use:
• Greater than (avoid the word “bigger”)
• Less than
• Equal to
• Value
• Symbol
• Quantity
• Numbers
Questions? Comments? Compliments? Leave them BEElow!
The Busy B 