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More or Less?

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Lesson Plan

More or Less?

Students will be able to identify which of two numbers up to 20 is greater or less using a number line and verbal language with 80% accuracy.

Understanding 'greater than' and 'less than' is a fundamental skill in mathematics. It helps students compare quantities in everyday life, build number sense, and prepares them for more complex mathematical concepts.

Audience

1st Grade

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through a visual story, number line exploration, partner activities, and independent practice.

Materials

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Step 1

Engage: Sharing Snacks Story

3 minutes

  • Begin with a brief story about sharing snacks, focusing on who has "more" or "less." (e.g., "I have 5 cookies, and my friend has 3 cookies. Who has more? Who has less?")
    - Use Comparing Numbers Slide Deck Slide 1-2 to visually introduce the concept.
    - Ask students to turn and talk to a partner about their initial thoughts on comparing quantities.

Step 2

Model: Number Line Exploration

5 minutes

  • Introduce the terms "greater than" and "less than."
    - Use Comparing Numbers Slide Deck Slide 3-5 to model how to use a number line (the Number Line Mat 1-20) to compare two numbers up to 20.
    - Demonstrate by pointing to numbers on the projected number line: "The number further to the right is greater. The number further to the left is less."
    - Use the Picture Cards for Comparing to model comparing numbers visually.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Partner Comparisons

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Number Line Mat 1-20 to each student.
    - Pair students up and provide them with a set of Picture Cards for Comparing.
    - Instruct partners to draw two cards, place the numbers on their number line mat, and verbally explain to each other which number is greater and which is less, using the correct vocabulary. (e.g., "12 is greater than 8," "8 is less than 12").
    - Circulate and provide support, listening for correct vocabulary usage.

Step 4

Independent Practice: Which is Greater?

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Which is Greater? Worksheet to each student.
    - Instruct students to independently complete the worksheet, circling the number that is greater in each pair.
    - Remind them to use their Number Line Mat 1-20 if they need help comparing the numbers.

Step 5

Review and Wrap-up

2 minutes

  • Briefly review the concepts of "greater than" and "less than" with the whole class.
    - Ask students to share one example of two numbers they compared today and explain which was greater/less.
    - Collect the Which is Greater? Worksheet for assessment.
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Slide Deck

Who Has More?

Imagine you have 5 delicious cookies. Your friend has 3 cookies.

Who has more cookies?
Who has less cookies?

Welcome students and introduce the idea of comparing. Start with a simple, relatable scenario to get them thinking about 'more' and 'less'.

Meet Greater and Less

Instead of saying 'more', we can say greater than.

Instead of saying 'less', we can say less than.

Transition to formal vocabulary. Explain that 'more' means 'greater than' and 'less' means 'less than'. Use simple language and visuals.

Our Tool: The Number Line

A number line helps us see which numbers are bigger or smaller.

Numbers get greater as we move to the right.
Numbers get less as we move to the left.

Introduce the number line as a tool for comparison. Emphasize that numbers increase as you move right.

Let's Compare: 7 and 10

Find 7 on your number line. Find 10 on your number line.

Which number is to the right? That number is greater.
Which number is to the left? That number is less.

So, 10 is greater than 7.
And 7 is less than 10.

Model comparing two numbers using the number line. Walk through an example, explicitly pointing out the positions and what they mean.

You Try: 14 and 9

Imagine 14 and 9 on the number line.

Which number is greater?
Which number is less?

Think: "___ is greater than " and " is less than ___"

Provide another example for students to try mentally or with their finger on a desk. Encourage them to use the vocabulary.

Partner Up! Let's Compare!

With your partner, you'll get Picture Cards for Comparing and a Number Line Mat 1-20.

  1. Pick two cards.
  2. Place them on your number line mat.
  3. Tell your partner: "[Number 1] is greater than [Number 2]" OR "[Number 2] is less than [Number 1]"

Explain the partner activity using picture cards and number line mats. Reinforce the use of correct vocabulary.

Your Turn: Which is Greater?

Now, you'll complete the Which is Greater? Worksheet by yourself.

Circle the number that is greater in each pair.

Remember, your Number Line Mat 1-20 can help you!

Introduce the independent worksheet. Remind students they can use their number lines if needed.

Wrap-Up: What Did We Learn?

  • What does greater than mean?
  • What does less than mean?

Give an example of numbers you compared today!

Conclude the lesson by reviewing the key terms and having students share their learning. Collect worksheets.

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Activity

Picture Cards for Comparing

Instructions: Cut out each of the number cards below. Use these cards with your Number Line Mat 1-20 to compare numbers with a partner. Remember to use the words "greater than" and "less than" when you compare!

Cut-Out Cards

Card 1Card 2Card 3Card 4Card 5
5123189
Card 6Card 7Card 8Card 9Card 10
15711204
Card 11Card 12Card 13Card 14Card 15
11681910
Card 16Card 17Card 18Card 19Card 20
13217614
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Worksheet

Which is Greater? Worksheet

Instructions: For each pair of numbers, circle the number that is greater.

Remember, your Number Line Mat 1-20 can help you!

  1. 4 8



  2. 12 7



  3. 15 5



  4. 1 11



  5. 9 13



  6. 20 10



  7. 6 16



  8. 18 8



  9. 3 19



  10. 14 2



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Activity

Number Line Mat 1-20

Instructions: Use this number line to help you compare numbers. Remember, numbers get greater as you move to the right, and less as you move to the left.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

(You can place your Picture Cards for Comparing directly above the numbers on this line to help you visualize!)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

(Another copy for easy printing and cutting)

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More or Less? • Lenny Learning