Lesson objective: Relate comparing objects to comparing numerals to determine which has a greater or lesser value.
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and understanding of comparison of numbers presented as written numerals to a real-life connection to which students can relate. Students are asked to compare who scored more or who scored less between team members of a soccer team.
Key Concept students will understand that:
- Written numerals can be compared using the language greater than, less than, or equal to.
Skills students will use:
- Counting and matching strategies to support their understanding of comparing numerals.
- The number path and counting sequence to support understanding.
- Comparison language of greater than, less than, and equal to, when explaining their reasoning.
Students engage in Mathematical Practice 2 (Reason abstractly and quantitatively) as they apply and extend their understanding of comparing with objects to comparing written numerals. They also apply Mathematical Practice 6 (Attend to Precision) as they use correct comparison language: greater than, less than, and equal to. Students may rely on counting and matching strategies and the counting sequence as they transition to comparing written numerals.
Key vocabulary:
- compare, comparison
- counting, counting sequence
- equal, equal to
- greater, greater than
- less, less than
- more, more than
- number path
- same
Special materials needed:
- number path (optional)
- ten frames (optional)
- counters or connecting cubes for support
For additional practice:
- numeral cards with ten frames
- numeral cards
- game directions... Number Compare: Who has More? and Number Compare: Who has Less?
