Compare Picture Groups: More, Less, or Equal

This comparing quantities worksheet uses four panels to practice more, less, and equal. Circle the larger group in 4 rows, mark the smaller group with an X in 4 rows, and circle equal pairs in 5 rows. The final 6 comparisons ask for a greater-than, less-than, or equal-to symbol between two picture groups.

In the first row, compare 5 pictures with 3. Count each group or pair the pictures one to one to see which group has extras. Focus on quantity, rather than how much space the pictures cover. Read each new panel’s instruction together, because the child changes from choosing more to marking less and then looking for equal amounts.

For equal pairs, check whether both groups contain the same number of pictures. In the symbol panel, say the two quantities aloud before choosing a sign. The open side of a greater-than or less-than sign faces the larger amount; the equals sign means both amounts have the same value. Read the completed comparison from left to right to check its meaning.

Revisit written numerals in the number reference library, or choose another picture-based activity from Early Math Essentials. Two small groups of counters can make a useful hands-on follow-up. Ask the child to move them into pairs and explain which side has more, which has less, or why the two groups are equal before returning to a printed row.