Compare numbers with acorns in ten-frames, then with the words more than, less than and equal to. The Extending page introduces the <, > and = signs as a first step towards Year 2, and Stoat’s reasoning question targets the classic mistake of thinking 19 is more than 21.

The sheet comes in three differentiated tiers (Supported ●, Core ●●, Extending ●●●), all practising the same skill. You can hand out all three in one lesson and the whole class works on the same objective.

What’s included (5 A4 pages, PDF):

• Teacher’s note: overview, curriculum link and suggested uses
• ● Supported: count acorns in ten-frames, write the numbers and circle the group with more, plus a word problem where both children have the same
• ●● Core: more than, less than or equal to, with numbers to 20 including zero, plus a ‘who has fewer?’ word problem about conkers
• ●●● Extending: compare numbers beyond 20 using <, > and =, order four numbers, an open challenge, and Stoat’s reasoning question: ‘19 is more than 21 because 9 is more than 1.’ Is Stoat right?
• Answers page with the matching National Curriculum objective

Curriculum link: Year 1 Number and place value: ‘use the language of: equal to, more than, less than (fewer), most, least’. The ●●● page also gives a head start on the Year 2 objective ‘compare and order numbers from 0 up to 100; use <, > and = signs’.

Great for independent practice, small groups, intervention, homework, assessment and early finishers.

Print-ready A4, black-and-white friendly, no preparation needed. Woodland animal line art (toad, wren and stoat) that children can colour in.