Teacher Cheat Sheet — Session 6: More, Fewer, Same

Data Science for Young Minds · Grade 1 · Ages 6–7

~45 min Ages 6–7 Session 6 of 8 ND-Friendly

Session Agenda

Time	Block	What's Happening
0–5	Hook	Bring back the Session 5 wall chart. "Let's read our graph — what does it say?" Point to columns physically.
5–14	Teach	Introduce comparison words: more, fewer, same, most, least. Demonstrate by pointing to two columns at a time.
14–28	Activity	Teacher asks comparison questions one at a time. Students point to the answer on the wall chart, then write/draw on worksheets.
28–33	Brain Break	"Stand tall or crouch small!" — teacher names two columns; students stand for the bigger one, crouch for smaller.
33–40	Work	Worksheet: answer comparison questions about the class pictograph, circle answers, draw.
40–43	Recap	"Which word helped you the most today — more, fewer, or same? Why?"
43–45	Close	Preview: "Next time we will say out loud what our graph found — we will make data statements!"

Key pacing note: Always physically point to the columns while asking comparison questions — "which column is taller? Let's point!" Physical pointing while reading is essential for this age. Repeat each question TWICE before asking for answers. Wait at least 5 seconds.

Materials Needed

Prepare before class:

Session 5 wall chart (still on the wall — do NOT take it down) Pointer stick or ruler for pointing at columns Comparison word cards: MORE / FEWER / SAME / MOST / LEAST (posted on board) Student worksheets Pencils and colored pencils

Make the comparison word cards large (A5 size) and post them beside the wall chart. Students should be able to look at the word while using it.

Key Vocabulary

More — a column has a higher number of stickers than another column

Fewer — a column has a lower number of stickers than another column

Same — two columns have exactly the same number of stickers

Most — the column with the highest number of all (tallest)

Least — the column with the lowest number of all (shortest)

Compare — look at two or more things to see how they are different

Discussion Questions + Teacher Notes

"Which column has MORE stickers — dog or cat?"
→ Ask students to POINT before speaking. "Everyone point to the column with more." Then ask a student to say it. Pointing first removes the pressure of speaking first and gives processing time. Repeat the question before taking answers.
"How do you KNOW it has more? How can you tell?"
→ It is taller! Or: the number is bigger. Accept both answers — visual comparison (taller column) and numerical comparison (bigger number) are both valid strategies. Connect them: "the taller column always has more stickers."
"Are any two columns the SAME? How do you know?"
→ If two columns are the same height, yes. If not, discuss: "if we added one more person to the cat column, would it then be the same as dog?" This extends thinking without requiring it.
"Which column has the MOST of all? And the LEAST?"
→ Most = tallest column. Least = shortest. Ask students to point to both simultaneously — one finger on most, one on least. The physical act of pointing to both at once makes the contrast visible and memorable.
"If 2 more people chose bird, would it still have the fewest? What would need to happen for it to have the most?"
→ This is an extension question — only for students who are ready. Skip if the class is still working on basic comparison. It plants seeds for the idea that data can change and that graphs change with it.

Comparison Activity — Question Bank

Use these questions while pointing to the wall chart. Ask each one, wait, then students point → then say → then record on worksheet. Always repeat the question before taking answers.

"Does dog have MORE or FEWER stickers than cat?"
"Which animal has the MOST stickers?"
"Which animal has the FEWEST stickers?"
"Does bird have more or fewer than dog?"
"Are any two columns the SAME?"
"How many MORE does dog have than bird?" (count the difference)

Pointing protocol: Before every question, say "everyone point to your answer on the chart." Wait 3 seconds. Then "who can say what they're pointing to?"

Opening Hook

Uncover the Session 5 wall chart dramatically.

"This is OUR graph from last time. What do you remember about it?"

Let 3–4 students share. Then: "Today we are going to READ this graph — and compare the columns!"

→ Bringing back the familiar chart activates prior knowledge and creates continuity between sessions.

Brain Break

"Stand Tall or Crouch Small!" (~28 min)
Teacher names two columns. Students stand TALL for the one with MORE. Crouch SMALL for the one with FEWER.

Examples: "Dog vs. Bird — which has more?" Students stand tall for dog. Quick, physical, reinforces the concept. 60 seconds.

ND-Friendly Tips

Point before speak — Always ask students to point first. Pointing is lower-stakes than speaking and gives think time.
Repeat every question — Say each comparison question twice, slowly, before taking answers. "Which has more — dog or cat? Which has MORE — dog or cat?" Repetition is not boring for 6-year-olds; it's scaffolding.
Word cards visible — MORE / FEWER / SAME / MOST / LEAST cards should be posted and pointed to when using each word.
No hand pressure — Pointing at the chart (vs. raising a hand in front of peers) is lower stakes. Use this format for most questions.
Partner support — For worksheet questions, allow partner discussion before writing. Talking helps consolidate understanding.