Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 4: Model and Compare
In this unit, your child compares groups of objects to see which has more, fewer, or the same, then compares written numbers from 1 to 10. They also model, or show, adding and taking-away story problems with objects and drawings. After a unit on shapes, numbers come back to center stage here, getting ready for the teen numbers ahead.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Matching up two groups or counting each one to tell which has more, which has fewer, or whether they are the same. Learn more: Which group has more, fewer, or the same
- Comparing two written numbers from 1 to 10, such as 6 and 9, and saying which is greater or less. Learn more: Comparing numbers from 1 to 10
- Solving adding and taking-away story problems within 10 by acting them out with toys or drawing pictures. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 10
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
You and your friend each have 7 stickers. Who has more?
- You
- You both have the same
- Your friend
How you can help
- Put out two plates of apple slices you cut ahead of time, with different amounts on each. Have your child line them up side by side to see which plate has more, then count to check.
- Play a card game with the ace through 10 of a deck, where the ace counts as 1. Each of you flips a card, and whoever has the greater number says, "Mine is greater!"
- Tell quick stories at bath time: 7 ducks are swimming and 3 swim away. How many are left? Let your child act it out with bath toys.
Where kids can get stuck
- Judging by how long a row is, so a spread-out row of 6 seems like more than a tight row of 8.
- Saying 6 is greater than 9 because the 6 happens to be written bigger.
- Answering with the number that went away when the story asks how many ducks are left.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- compare
- To look at two things to see which is more, less, or the same.
- more
- A greater number of things.
- fewer
- A smaller number of things.
- same
- Exactly as many, with none extra.
- greater
- More, or a bigger number.
- less
- Not as many, or a smaller number.
- in all
- The total when groups are put together.
- left
- The number still there after some are taken away.
- story problem
- A math question told as a short story.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with comparing numbers?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 4 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.