This first grade Less Than Greater Than Worksheet has students write <, >, or = to compare pairs of numbers, with a friendly alligator pointing the way. Answer key included for quick, no-prep number-sense practice.
This Less Than, Equal To, or Greater Than Worksheet gives 1st graders ten pairs of two-digit numbers to compare using . Includes a complete answer key—perfect for no-prep number sense practice.
This comparing numbers subtraction worksheet has 1st graders count two groups of pictures, write each number, and subtract to find how many more. Answer key included for fast, no-prep practice.
This Less Than, Greater Than, or Equal To Worksheet gives 1st grade students ten comparison items, from counted dot groups to two-digit numbers, with an answer key included so practice is quick to check.
The Comparing Two Digit Numbers Worksheet gives 1st grade students practice using the less than, equal to, and greater than symbols to compare numbers and build number sense. A complete answer key is included.
A Greater Less and In Between Worksheet for 1st grade, with eight inequality chains where students write the one number that fits between the bounds. An answer key is included, ready for morning work or a math center.
Compare two-digit numbers with the Is the Number Greater Lesser or Equal Worksheet. First graders write the right symbol in eight problems and answer two story problems, with an answer key that makes checking quick.
This Tens More or Less Worksheet asks 1st grade students to write the correct symbol between eight number pairs, then put three numbers in order. An answer key is included, so children can check their own comparing.
Use this One Less One Greater Worksheet to help 1st grade students find the numbers that come just before and just after, up to 120. An answer key is included for quick, confident checking.
This two digit numbers more or less worksheet asks 1st grade students to mark ten number pairs with a sign and order three sets from largest to smallest, and it comes with an answer key.
The alligator eats the bigger number!
First graders learn to compare two-digit numbers using what they know about tens and ones. They look at the tens first: 42 > 38 because 4 tens is more than 3 tens. If the tens match, they compare the ones. Kids use the symbols > (greater than), < (less than) and = (equal to), and learn that an equal sign means "the same as," not "the answer is." The click moment is when a child explains, "The tens tell me which is bigger!"
Comparing numbers clicks with songs, real objects and a lot of talking. Here's what we do.
Play a greater than, less than song and have kids make the symbol with their arms. The open side always faces the bigger number. Music plus movement makes the symbols stick.
Why it works: words set to a repeating melody are easier to recall than the same words spoken (Wallace, 1994).
Try it withGreater Than Less Than Inequalities SongSongsOpen it →Give partners two piles of counters. They line them up side by side and say which pile has more or fewer. Seeing the extra counters makes "greater than" real before kids ever use a symbol.
Why it works: the U.S. Department of Education's guide for teaching elementary math recommends moving from hands-on objects to drawings to numbers.
Try it withMore Fewer ActivityActivitiesOpen it →Write 56 and 63 and think aloud: "First I look at the tens. 5 tens and 6 tens. 6 tens is more, so 63 is greater." Then try 47 and 45, where the tens match and the ones decide.
Why it works: showing first, practicing together, then letting kids try alone is the "gradual release" model teachers have relied on for decades (Pearson and Gallagher, 1983).
Try it withComparing Two Digit Numbers WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Comparing games with home runs, dolphins and superheroes.
ActivitiesCompare numbers to round the bases and score runs for your team.
Open Take Me Out to the Ballgame Inequalities Activity →
ActivitiesHelp the dolphin jump toward the greater number in each pair.
Open Greater Than Less Than Dolphin Activity →
ActivitiesEarn superhero powers by comparing numbers correctly.
Open Become a Superhero by Comparing Numbers Activity →Teacher favorites right now: Less Than Greater Than Worksheet, Less Than, Equal to, Or Greater Than Worksheet and Comparing Numbers Subtraction Worksheet.
Start with real objects so kids see which group has more. Then compare numbers by looking at the tens first, then the ones. Add the symbols last, once the idea is clear.
Many teachers use a hungry alligator whose mouth opens toward the bigger number. Another tip: the small pointed end points to the smaller number.
It means both sides are the same amount. Kids should see examples like 5 = 3 + 2 and 4 + 1 = 5 so they don't think the equal sign always means "the answer comes next."
Play a card game: each player flips two cards to make a two-digit number, and the bigger number wins. Saying "greater than" or "less than" out loud each round builds the language.
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