What changes a number · Ages 5–6
Just as many?
Does your child say “there are more” when the objects were only moved? After the seats are switched, what they see isn’t the same anymore: it isn’t carelessness. This free printable suggests questions instead of corrections, and before-and-after bus plans to see what really changes a number: someone getting on or off.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why a child may say “there are more” after a simple change of seats.
- The key idea, in two diagrams: just as many, unless someone gets on or off; if someone does, look at who (a yellow gets off and a green gets on: the bus is still full, but there’s one fewer yellow).
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting, only once.
- Safety: objects big enough that they can’t be swallowed, the game kept on the table, and care with the crayon and the scissors.
- How to do page 2 together, covering the pictures you aren’t doing yet.
- Notes to read after your child has checked, and a cut-out slip to play again a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with no text to read: only the numbers from 1 to 10, to circle the answer.
- At the top, Bilal thinks there are more yellows: two bus plans where the round hats are grouped differently.
- Four “before and after” pictures: two seat switches, an exchange at the door (a round hat gets off, a pointy hat gets on in that seat), and a pointy hat getting on in an empty seat.
- Your child marks each round hat as they count it, then circles the number they found; round and pointy hats are told apart by shape.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “Just as many?” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
Get notified at launch