Brain Break: Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:10 Video
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Lesson Description

A fun and active lesson that helps 1st graders understand and compare two-digit numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols. Get ready to move and groove while learning!

Video Resource

First Grade Brain Break: Greater Than, Smaller Than, Equal to (1.NBT.B.3)

Move and Groove Math

Duration: 3:10
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Key Concepts

  • Greater than (>)
  • Less than (<)
  • Equal to (=)
  • Two-digit numbers
  • Place Value (Tens and Ones)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two two-digit numbers.
  • Students will be able to identify if a number is greater than, less than, or equal to another number.
  • Students will be able to represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, and =.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to. Use visual aids like number lines or blocks to demonstrate the value of each digit in a two-digit number. Ask students simple comparison questions like, 'Which is more, 5 or 8?'
  • Video Activity (10 mins)
    Play the "First Grade Brain Break: Greater Than, Smaller Than, Equal to (1.NBT.B.3)" video. Encourage students to actively participate by doing the poses when comparing the numbers. Pause the video as needed to discuss the answers and clarify any confusion.
  • Group Practice (10 mins)
    Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a set of number cards (two-digit numbers). Have them take turns comparing the numbers and using the correct symbol (>, <, =) to represent the relationship. The use of manipulatives such as base ten blocks is encouraged to support struggling students.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide each student with a worksheet containing comparison problems. Students will compare two-digit numbers and write the correct symbol (>, <, or =) between them. Example: 45 ___ 62.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the answers to the independent practice activity. Ask students to share what they learned and address any remaining questions. Play a quick round of 'Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down' - pose comparison questions (e.g., 'Is 72 greater than 50?') and have students show thumbs up for true and thumbs down for false.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Use a large number line displayed in the classroom. Call out two two-digit numbers and have students point to them on the number line. Discuss which number is further to the right (greater) and which is further to the left (less).
  • Human Number Sentence
    Give three students cards: one with a two-digit number, one with another two-digit number, and one with a >, <, or = sign. Have them arrange themselves to create a correct number sentence. Rotate the students to create different number sentences.

Discussion Questions

  • How do you know if one number is bigger than another number?
  • What does the greater than (>) sign mean?
  • What does the less than (<) sign mean?
  • What does the equal to (=) sign mean?
  • How does knowing about tens and ones help us compare numbers?

Skills Developed

  • Comparing numbers
  • Understanding place value
  • Using mathematical symbols
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which sign means 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 2:

Which number is bigger: 32 or 23?

Correct Answer: 32

Question 3:

What does the '=' sign mean?

Correct Answer: Equal to

Question 4:

Which sign goes between 45 and 54?

Correct Answer: <

Question 5:

Which number is smaller: 67 or 76?

Correct Answer: 67

Question 6:

What goes between 88 and 88?

Correct Answer: =

Question 7:

56 is _____ than 50.

Correct Answer: Greater

Question 8:

21 is _____ than 30.

Correct Answer: Less

Question 9:

Which is the correct sign: 12 __ 10

Correct Answer: >

Question 10:

99 is _____ than 99

Correct Answer: Equal

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The sign > means ________ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 2:

The sign < means ________ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 3:

5 = 5 means five is _________ to five.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 4:

25 is _________ than 15.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 5:

10 is _________ than 20.

Correct Answer: less

Question 6:

When two numbers are the same, we use the ______ sign.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 7:

78 ___ 87, the sign is <.

Correct Answer: is

Question 8:

If a number is bigger, it is _______ than another number.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 9:

The numbers 44 and 44 are ______.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 10:

The _______ of a number help us to know the value of it.

Correct Answer: digits

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.3:Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <. 1.NBT.B.2:Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones.

Teaching Materials

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