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The Great Number Face-Off to 100

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Lesson Plan

The Great Number Face-Off to 100

Students will be able to compare two numbers up to 100 by verbally stating and writing the correct symbol (>, <, =) with 80% accuracy on a set of 5 given problems.

Understanding how to compare numbers is a fundamental math skill that helps students develop strong number sense and prepares them for more complex mathematical concepts. It allows them to understand the relative size of numbers in everyday situations.

Audience

1st Grade

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through modeling, guided practice, and independent application.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Place Value Review

3 minutes

  • Begin with a quick review of place value for two-digit numbers using Comparing to 100 Slide Deck (Slide 2).
  • Ask students to identify the tens and ones place in a few example numbers (e.g., 27, 53).
  • Teacher Script Prompt: "Who can tell me how many tens and ones are in the number 27? What about 53?"

Step 2

Model: Comparing Two-Digit Numbers

5 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of comparing two-digit numbers, emphasizing looking at the tens place first using Comparing to 100 Slide Deck (Slides 3-5).
  • Model how to use the symbols <, >, and =.
  • Provide clear examples on the board, thinking aloud as you compare numbers (e.g., 34 and 28, 51 and 59, 45 and 45).
  • Teacher Script Prompt: "When we compare numbers, we always start by looking at the tens place! If the tens are the same, then we look at the ones. Let's practice!"

Step 3

Guided Practice: Number Line Face-Off

7 minutes

  • Distribute the Number Cards 1-100 to pairs of students.
  • Have students draw two cards and compare them using verbal statements (e.g., "35 is greater than 21") and by writing the correct symbol (>, <, or =).
  • Circulate and provide support, correcting misconceptions, and reinforcing correct usage.
  • Guide students in using a large number line on the board or floor if available, to visualize number comparisons, as shown on Comparing to 100 Slide Deck (Slide 6).
  • Teacher Script Prompt: "Now it's your turn to be number detectives! With your partner, draw two cards and tell me which number is greater or less. Don't forget to use our comparison symbols!"

Step 4

Independent Practice: Quiz Time!

3 minutes

  • Hand out the Comparing Numbers Quiz.
  • Students will complete 5 comparison problems independently.
  • Teacher Script Prompt: "Show me what you know! Complete these 5 problems on your own, remembering all our strategies for comparing numbers."
  • Collect the quizzes for assessment.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Exit Ticket & Share

2 minutes

  • Distribute the Exit Ticket.
  • Students will quickly answer one comparison question before leaving.
  • Briefly discuss one or two answers from the quiz or exit ticket as a whole group, reinforcing the main concepts.
  • Teacher Script Prompt: "Before you go, let's do a quick exit ticket. Write the correct symbol between these two numbers. Great work today, everyone!"
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Slide Deck

The Great Number Face-Off to 100!

Who will win? The greater number or the lesser number? Let's find out!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting challenge of comparing numbers!

Place Value Power-Up!

Every two-digit number has a tens place and a ones place.

For example, in the number 37:

  • The '3' is in the tens place (it means 30!)
  • The '7' is in the ones place (it means 7!)

What about 52? How many tens? How many ones?

Review tens and ones. Ask students to identify the place value for a few numbers.

Meet the Comparison Crew!

We have special symbols to help us compare numbers:

> means Greater Than (The alligator eats the bigger number!)

< means Less Than (The alligator still wants the bigger meal!)

= means Equal To (The numbers are the same!)

Think of the symbols as hungry alligators always wanting to eat the bigger number!

Introduce the symbols for comparison. Explain what each symbol means.

Our Secret Strategy: Tens First!

When we compare two numbers, our super secret strategy is to ALWAYS look at the tens place first!

Example: Compare 42 and 24

  • In 42, the tens digit is 4.
  • In 24, the tens digit is 2.

Since 4 tens is greater than 2 tens, we know that 42 > 24!

Explain the strategy: always look at the tens place first. Provide an example.

What If the Tens Are the Same?

If the tens digits are the same, then we look at the ones place!

Example: Compare 53 and 58

  • Both numbers have 5 tens.
  • In 53, the ones digit is 3.
  • In 58, the ones digit is 8.

Since 3 ones is less than 8 ones, we know that 53 < 58!

What about 60 and 60?

Provide more examples, including when tens are equal. Ask for student input.

Number Line Power-Up!

A number line can help us see which number is bigger or smaller!

Numbers to the right are greater.
Numbers to the left are less.

Let's use our number cards and our giant number line to practice!

Explain how a number line helps visualize comparison. Facilitate guided practice with number cards.

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Activity

Number Cards 1-100 Activity

Instructions for Teachers:

  1. Preparation: Print out numbers from 1 to 100 on separate small cards (e.g., 2x3 inches). You can print multiple copies for more groups. Laminate them for durability if possible.
  2. Grouping: Divide students into pairs or small groups (2-3 students).
  3. Distribution: Give each pair/group a set of shuffled number cards.
  4. How to Play "The Great Number Face-Off":
    • Each student in the pair draws one number card from the pile.
    • Students then compare their two numbers.
    • First, they should verbally state which number is greater or less (e.g., "My number, 45, is greater than your number, 23.").
    • Then, they should write down the comparison using the correct symbol (>, <, or =). You can have them do this on a small whiteboard, a scratch piece of paper, or a dedicated Comparing Numbers Worksheet.
    • The student with the greater number (or if they are equal, both) keeps the cards for that round.
    • Play continues until all cards are used or for a set amount of time.
    • The student with the most cards at the end wins the "Face-Off"!

Student Challenge:

Draw two number cards. Write the numbers and place the correct symbol (>, <, or =) between them.

Example:
Card 1: 52



Card 2: 78



Comparison: 52 < 78





Draw your own cards and compare!

  1. Card 1:
    Card 2:
    Comparison:





  2. Card 1:
    Card 2:
    Comparison:





  3. Card 1:
    Card 2:
    Comparison:





  4. Card 1:
    Card 2:
    Comparison:





  5. Card 1:
    Card 2:
    Comparison:





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Quiz

Comparing Numbers Quiz

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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: The Great Number Face-Off

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Question:

Fill in the blank with the correct symbol (>, <, or =):

72 ____ 65






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