Hungry Crocodiles: Comparing Two-Digit Numbers!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:41 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Learn to compare two-digit numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to signs with the help of a hungry crocodile!

Video Resource

Comparing Two Digit Numbers - 1st Grade Math (1.NBT.3)

Boddle Learning

Duration: 3:41
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Place Value (Tens and Ones)
  • Greater Than (>)
  • Less Than (<)
  • Equal To (=)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two two-digit numbers.
  • Students will be able to use the greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) signs correctly.
  • Students will be able to explain their reasoning for comparing numbers based on tens and ones.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about comparing numbers. Introduce the concept of 'greater than,' 'less than,' and 'equal to'. Show the video 'Comparing Two Digit Numbers - 1st Grade Math (1.NBT.3)' from Boddle Learning.
  • Video Discussion (10 mins)
    After watching the video, discuss the crocodile analogy. Emphasize that the crocodile always eats the bigger number. Review the meaning of each sign: > (greater than), < (less than), and = (equal to).
  • Place Value Review (10 mins)
    Remind students about place value. Review that a two-digit number is made up of tens and ones. Use manipulatives like base-ten blocks to visually represent numbers. Have students practice identifying the tens and ones in different two-digit numbers.
  • Comparing Practice (15 mins)
    Write pairs of two-digit numbers on the board. Have students compare them and write the correct sign (>, <, or =) between them. Start with simpler comparisons (e.g., 25 vs. 12) and gradually increase the difficulty (e.g., 48 vs. 51). Encourage students to explain their reasoning by focusing on the tens place first.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet with more number comparison problems. They should write the correct sign between each pair of numbers. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Use a number line (either physical or drawn on the board). Point to two numbers on the number line and ask students to determine which is greater or less based on its position on the line.
  • Comparing with Manipulatives
    Provide students with base-ten blocks. Give them two numbers and have them build each number using the blocks. Then, they can visually compare the amounts to determine which is greater, less, or equal.

Discussion Questions

  • How does knowing the tens and ones help us compare numbers?
  • Can you think of a time when two numbers are equal?
  • Why does the crocodile always want to eat the bigger number?

Skills Developed

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

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which sign means 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 2:

Which sign means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 3:

Which sign means 'equal to'?

Correct Answer: =

Question 4:

Which number is bigger: 35 or 21?

Correct Answer: 35

Question 5:

Which number is smaller: 18 or 42?

Correct Answer: 18

Question 6:

What sign goes between 22 and 22?

Correct Answer: =

Question 7:

Which is true? 15 ___ 20

Correct Answer: <

Question 8:

Which is true? 41 ___ 39

Correct Answer: >

Question 9:

If the crocodile wants to eat the bigger number, which way does its mouth open for 10 ___ 5?

Correct Answer: >

Question 10:

You have 2 tens and 5 ones. Your friend has 2 tens and 5 ones. Who has more?

Correct Answer: Same Amount

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The crocodile eats the ______ number.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 2:

The sign > means ______ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 3:

The sign < means ______ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 4:

The sign = means ______ to.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 5:

In the number 47, the 4 is in the ______ place.

Correct Answer: tens

Question 6:

In the number 92, the 2 is in the ______ place.

Correct Answer: ones

Question 7:

50 is ______ than 20.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 8:

11 is ______ than 15.

Correct Answer: less

Question 9:

33 is ______ to 33.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 10:

When comparing numbers, look at the ______ place first.

Correct Answer: tens

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 <. CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.2:Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones. Understand the following as special cases: CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.7:Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz Export to Google Docs
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans