Comparing Bigger and Smaller

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Explain that the bigger circle is bigger because it takes up more space. Tell the class that they compared objects by deciding which was bigger and which was smaller.
• Say, “Big and small are opposites. When you compare objects to decide which is bigger or smaller, you think about how much space the objects take up.”
• Draw two stars of different sizes. Have students share which star they think is smaller. Then draw four additional stars. Ask students which star they think is the biggest and which star they think is the smallest.

Guided Practice

• Hand out paper to students. Tell them that they should draw two objects of different sizes on the paper.
• When they are done, have students trade their papers with a partner and circle the biggest object on the page.

Independent working time

• Tell students that they are now going to practice comparing objects.
• Hand out the Animals Big and Small and Trees Big and Small worksheets. Have students complete the worksheets independently.