Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children compare, sort, group, organize and measure objects and create patterns in their everyday environment.

Skill Progression: Comparing and Ordering

Age: 21-24 Months

You may choose a different domain, go back, or click on a skill below for more information.

Use a stacking ring toy, a set of nesting cups, nesting boxes, or similar toys or materials.

Take the set apart and give several to the child, keeping one or two for yourself. Say, “Hey! Look. Someone has more!” Let the child say who has more. Give the set of materials and let him play with them. See if he self-corrects if he makes a mistake. Provide a little assistance if needed. “Oops! This one is bigger than the one under it.” Remove both and see if the child can correct the error.

The child will know who has more items.

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to talk about sizes with the child and compare amounts. Children always want “the most” so this is a perfect opportunity to count and compare amounts.