Go Math! Kindergarten, Chapter 2: Compare Numbers to 5
In this unit, your child compares small groups up to 5. Kindergartners match objects one to one to find out whether two groups are the same or which has more or fewer, and begin comparing the numerals themselves. It builds right on counting and writing 0 to 5 from the first unit, and those comparing words come back as the next unit introduces 6 through 9.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 2?
- Matching objects one to one to find whether two groups up to 5 are the same, or which has more or fewer. Learn more: Which group has more, fewer, or the same
- Comparing two numerals up to 5, such as 3 and 5, and naming which is greater and which is less. Learn more: Comparing numbers from 1 to 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
- Give each person at the table a cup and some spoons, up to 5, and ask your child who has more, who has fewer, or whether two cups have the same.
- Line up a row of shoes and put a sock beside each one, then ask your child which group has extras or whether every shoe has a sock.
- Write two numbers up to 5 on paper and ask your child which is greater, then jump that many times for each number to check.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking 4 large toys are more than 5 small ones, because 'more' seems to mean bigger.
- Matching most objects in pairs but missing the one left over, and saying the groups are the same.
- Comparing 1 and 5 easily but hesitating over close pairs, such as 3 and 4.
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 or numbers and tell how they are different.
- more
- Having a larger number of things than another group.
- fewer
- Having a smaller number of things than another group.
- same
- Having exactly as many as another group.
- match
- To pair objects one with one to compare two groups.
- greater than
- More in number; 8 is greater than 5.
- less than
- Fewer in number; 3 is less than 6.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with comparing groups to 5?
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.
Join the club
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 Go Math! Kindergarten Chapter 2 cover?
Go Math! Kindergarten Chapter 2 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.