Math Block Set Guide blocksetguide_min_r3[1] PDF | Page 4
Comparing Quantities Using the Math Blocks
Comparing Numbers: Greater Than or Less Than
To compare whether one sum is greater than or less than
another sum, students must focus on the number of
items within a certain group (ex. 5 dogs). Then they must
recognize that the group is a set made up of the same
number of items regardless of the kinds of animals or
objects and their sizes before they can compare whether
one group is greater than or less than another group.
How to Use the Japan Math Block Set
For example, students can compare whether a group of
birds is greater than or less than a group of birdhouses,
using the Japan Math Block Set (Image 1).
Why Choose the Japan Math Block Set?
Students can learn about number concepts with real-world applications!
One of the most important aspects of mathematics education is teaching students abstract concepts using concrete
objects. The easiest way for students to see “
” as “3” is by manipulating physical objects. The Japan Math Block
Set plays a significant role in accelerating students’ understanding
of number concepts.
Date
For instance, there are four birds in Image 1. It is very
Image 1
difficult for students to understand that there are four
birds, and compare which group — the birds or the
birdhouses — is greater or less than in terms of numbers.
However, when the birds are replaced with the white
blocks and the birdhouses with the yellow blocks —
that is replacing the concrete objects with the abstract
objects (refer to Image 2) — and those blocks are placed
Let’s compare using blocks!
on the frames, (refer to Images 3 & 4), students can
visually compare which number is greater than and which
number is less than. By manipulating the blocks with
Image 2
their own hands to solve a problem, students get a better
Image 3
sense of how numbers apply to the real world.
It is important for students to gradually develop their
Image 4
number sense by making strides toward understanding
the abstract: from concrete objects to math blocks to
ten frame cards.
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For more information, check out japan-math.com
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