From Full to Empty

Build Early Mathematical Thinking Through Visual Comparison.

Support early learners in understanding key mathematical concepts with From Full to Empty – a visually engaging and hands-on activity that introduces the foundational ideas of quantity, comparison, and sequencing through everyday images.

Children are invited to sort a series of illustrated cards depicting containers (e.g., cups, jars, bowls, jugs) in varying states of fullness – from completely empty to completely full, and every stage in between. They can sequence the cards in ascending (empty to full) or descending (full to empty) order, strengthening their ability to observe, compare, and classify visual information.

While playing, children naturally encounter and use mathematical vocabulary such as “more than,” “less than,” “full,” “empty,” “half-full,” and “almost full” – deepening their understanding of volume and quantity in a meaningful, real-world context.

This activity is ideal for maths centres, language-rich group discussions, and independent learning, laying a solid foundation for measurement and reasoning skills. Ages 3yrs+.

Key Educational Benefits:

• Understanding Quantities and Volume: Introduces the concept of volume through visual representations of containers in different states. Builds an intuitive understanding of gradual changes in quantity.
• Comparative Language and Mathematical Vocabulary: Encourages use of comparison terms such as “more than,” “less than,” “equal,” “most,” “least,” “nearly full,” and “almost empty”. Supports early oral language development linked to mathematical reasoning.
• Sequencing and Logical Thinking: Strengthens skills in ordering, classifying, and logical progression. Encourages children to think in terms of gradual change and relative positioning.
• Visual Discrimination and Observation: Helps children recognise small differences in visual content. Develops close attention to detail and pattern recognition.
• Foundation for Measurement Skills: Prepares learners for more formal concepts of measuring capacity. Encourages understanding that volume can be estimated visually and compared logically
• Supports Social Learning and Communication: Ideal for collaborative play, where children must justify and explain their reasoning. Encourages discussion, negotiation, and shared decision-making.

Contents

• 25 Wooden Image Cards
• Instruction Manual