Teaching kids how to compare numbers is an essential math skill that sets the foundation for higher-level concepts. However, keeping young learners engaged and motivated can be challenging while teaching this fundamental skill. In this article, we’ve curated a list of 18 of our favorite activities that make teaching number comparisons more fun and interactive for kids. From low-prep activities to hands-on math tasks that use everyday materials, there’s something here for all learning styles and levels!
1. Fitness Brain Break
Engage your students in a fun way to master number comparison with Comparing Numbers Fluency & Fitness. This Powerpoint slideshow lets your students work on comparing numbers while getting some exercise. They won’t realize they’re learning because it’s a fun brain break!
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2. Smart Board Crocodile
Experience the excitement of comparing numbers with engaging classroom activities such as the Hungry Greater Gator! Interactive techniques and memorable characters help kids practice comparing quantities and understand greater than and less than concepts in a fun way.
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3. Compare and Clip
These compare and clip cards are perfect for comparing two numbers, two sets of objects, blocks, or tally marks. With these clip cards, your students will develop a solid understanding of numbers and will be able to easily compare them.
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4. Monster Math
Get ready for some monstrous math fun! This resource is designed to improve students’ number sense in fun and engaging ways using monster math crafts and games. Your students will love building numbers and putting them in order with the help of their favorite monster friends.
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5. A New Way To Compare
Inspire your students to love comparing numbers! These engaging math tricks and game-filled activities build an understanding of greater than, less than, and equal symbols. Students see quantities and practice at their level, ensuring mastery for a lifetime of number sense.
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6. Place Value War
Want to give your 2nd grader a hands-on math adventure? In this activity, they’ll explore place value to 1,000 through engaging activity pages and centers. They’ll be counting, comparing, and adding/subtracting 2- and 3-digit numbers in no time!
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7. Scavenger Hunt
Math doesn’t have to be boring. Check out these super cool greater than and less than activities, like stamping symbols, building symbols from straws, searching magazines for numbers to fill in inequalities, and using an app to generate random numbers to compare.
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8. Magic of Math
In this engaging first-grade math lesson, students will roll dice, build numbers with blocks, and compare numbers by making cute hats. They’ll practice necessary number-comparing skills while enjoying hands-on and creative activities.
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9. Place Value Task Cards
Want to make place value fun for your students? These colorful cards are ideal for differentiation and targeted skill practice. Students will practice comparing, expanding form, skip counting, and base ten skills for numbers up to 1,000.
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10. Digital Quizzes
Test your math skills by determining if tricky number comparisons are true or false! Choose between challenging inequalities like 73 > 56 or 39 < 192. Apply your knowledge of place value, number order, and greater than/less than symbols to determine if these puzzling math expressions are correct or don’t add up!
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11. Digital Games
Looking for a fun and interactive way to teach your students about comparing numbers? Look no further than these digital games! With engaging games like “Greater or Less Than” and “Ordering Numbers,” your students will have a blast while mastering this vital math skill.
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12. Sensational Comparisons
Engage your 2nd and 3rd-grade math students with a sunglasses-themed activity that teaches them how to compare three-digit numbers. This versatile resource features concrete, figurative, and abstract tools for instructional support; making math fun and engaging.
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13. Build and Compare
Help your students develop a solid grasp of place value with this hands-on number-building activity! With three versions to choose from and 14 different sets, this engaging resource is easy to differentiate and perfect for students in grades K-2.
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14. Feed The Cat
This activity pack is perfect for creating engaging kindergarten math centers! It features 15 fun, hands-on activities and games for comparing numbers and it’s ideal for morning work or small group time!
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15. Place Value Dominoes
Learn math concepts like place value and comparing numbers with this fun, easy-to-play dominoes game for kids. Simply turn the dominoes face down, have your students choose wisely, and create the most significant number possible. Download the free worksheet and start playing at home or school today!
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16. Roll, Count, and Compare
Prepare to roll, count, and compare with this exciting math game! This game is designed to develop number sense in young learners, perfect for Pre-K to 1st-grade students. And the best part? There are six different game boards included so the fun never stops!
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17. Hungry Alligators
This hands-on math activity helps kids understand greater than and less than symbols. Students compare two numbers using alligator symbols to represent the concept of the more significant number “eating”, the smaller one. The free printable activity is suitable for first and second-graders.
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18. Alligator Slap
This activity pack is perfect for reinforcing the concept of comparing numbers. It’s low-prep, highly engaging, perfect for centers, and includes number cards for primary and intermediate learners. Don’t miss out on the chance to add excitement to your math lessons with this fun and engaging game!
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