Bigger Smaller Faster

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Bigger Smaller Faster

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Description

A comparison game that can be played anywhere - name two things and ask your child to decide which is bigger, heavier, faster, or louder. Practices the language and thinking of comparison across multiple dimensions.

Cost: FreeBest time: Anytime

Play guide

1Start with a simple, obvious pair - "an elephant or a mouse - which is bigger?" Let your child answer and agree or explore together.
2After one or two easy rounds, shift the dimension - "which is heavier, a feather or a book?" Keep asking about different qualities, not just size.
3Try pairs where the answer isn't obvious - "a bicycle or a horse - which is faster?" These spark the most conversation.
4Let your child start suggesting their own pairs. When they do, answer enthusiastically and ask follow-up questions - "why do you think so?"
5Play as many rounds as the moment allows. No need to wrap up formally - stop when interest fades naturally.

Success signals

Your child answers consistently and without hesitation on easy pairs. Your child pauses and thinks on harder pairs rather than guessing randomly. Your child starts inventing their own comparison questions to ask you - this is the strongest signal the game has clicked

If it's tricky

Child gives the same answer to everything (for example, "the big one is always bigger"): Try pairs where size and weight go in opposite directions - "a fluffy pillow or a heavy rock - which is heavier?" This breaks the "bigger equals more of everything" assumption. Child doesn't know one of the things you named (unfamiliar object): Swap it out immediately - the game only works on things they can picture clearly. Child wants to argue about the right answer: That is the game working well - explore the debate rather than shutting it down.

At a glance

Time estimated: Under 5 min
Prep time: 0 min
Energy level: Calm
Participation: Parent Led, Sibling Play
Location: Both
Supervision: Standard
Mess level: None
Age: 2-6 years
What to prep: No materials needed
Approach: Learning Play

Make it yours

Younger, 2-3 years: Stick to one dimension (just size) with very familiar pairs - "a cat or a dog, which is bigger?" Accept approximations. Older, 5-6 years: Introduce less concrete dimensions - "which is harder, a maths problem or tying your shoes?" or "which is slower, a snail or melting ice?" Siblings: Take turns being the one who picks the pairs; the other person answers. Older siblings naturally escalate to trickier pairs that challenge younger ones. Car or transit version: Use things visible through the window or things you can both picture from memory - no materials ever needed. Stopping signal: Agree on a number of rounds before starting: "We'll do five questions, then swap." Counting down to the last question ("this is number five - make it a good one!") gives the child a concrete, anticipatable end point. Low-stimulation option (autism-aware), dimension focus: Keep to one comparison dimension per session (only size, or only speed) rather than mixing dimensions. Low-stimulation option (autism-aware), object familiarity: Use very familiar, concrete objects the child already knows well. Low-stimulation option (autism-aware), pacing: Avoid fast back-and-forth pacing; take turns slowly with time to think between each question.