Building Number Sense: The Power of Comparing Quantities

Even before most children can count, they begin to notice differences like who has more, who has fewer. These early comparisons are the building blocks of number sense, a key part of the EYFS framework, and lay the foundation for later mathematical learning. At Jump Start Maths, based in West Yorkshire, we design playful activities that bring these ideas to life in nurseries, preschools and parent and child classes.

1. Rooted in the EYFS Framework

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) encourages children to explore numbers, counting and comparative language such as more, fewer, greater than and less than (EYFS framework). By weaving these concepts into everyday play, such as sorting bear counters or comparing which group has more food, children build confidence with numbers long before they start school.

2. Why Comparison Matters for Early Maths

Research shows that toddlers can recognise basic comparisons and begin to think in terms of same and different (Erikson Early Math Collaborative). Being able to compare helps children:

• Recognise sets of objects, for example, “these two groups both have three”

• Understand subtraction and addition in practical ways

• Develop logical thinking by spotting differences

This is why our Teddy Bears’ Picnic class focuses on fairness and comparing groups, skills which directly link to school readiness.

3. How Play Builds Understanding

In our classes, children match objects one to one, for example, teddy bears on picnic blankets, to see which group has more or fewer. In nursery settings, simple activities such as lining up toy ducks or building towers also encourage comparison. The NCETM highlights that children thrive when given real-life contexts for comparison, such as food, toys or outdoor play (NCETM).

4. Why It Matters Long Term

The Education Endowment Foundation reminds us that early years really are the foundation for all later learning (EEF). Children who can confidently compare more and fewer are better prepared for number bonds, subtraction, and even fractions later in school.

5. How Jump Start Maths Puts This into Practice

• Classes in West Yorkshire, including Roberttown and Brighouse, give parents and children a fun way to explore maths through movement and play

• Nursery delivery, we bring EYFS-aligned maths sessions into your setting, supporting staff with activities that embed core skills

• Maths kits for home, parents can extend learning at home with counters, number cards and activity guides, perfect for practising skills like more, fewer and fairness

Building Confidence through Comparison

When children learn to compare, they are not just spotting differences; they are building the mental building blocks of maths. At Jump Start Maths in West Yorkshire, our Teddy Bears’ Picnic class uses bears, blankets and biscuits to bring more and fewer to life.

For parents, you can book your child’s place in our classes or pre-order our educational maths kits for Christmas.
For nurseries, contact us to find out how we can deliver fun, active EYFS maths sessions in your setting.