In maths, comparison involves understanding and identifying relationships between numbers, lengths, quantities or objects. These build the foundations of complex maths concepts, including understanding number operations (addition, subtraction, etc.) and encouraging logical thinking. Through play and repetition, we can prepare children for the application of maths in the real world, such as accurately sharing out resources, recognising symmetry, identifying similarities and differences, talking confidently about time or distance and so much more.
Support developing mathematicians by encouraging embodied, hands-on learning and using clear and consistent mathematical language – download our ‘maths sparky words’ at https://bit.ly/3WLqKaU and use them as prompts or reminders. It's important to offer open-ended questions, especially during child-led play, to gauge whether children are using and understanding comparative adjectives and phrases such as greater than/more/fewer/less/same/similar/faster/slower.
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