What number comparison skills should first graders have?

First graders should compare two two-digit numbers based on the meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results with the symbols for greater than, less than, and equal to (CCSS 1.NBT.B.3). They should understand that when comparing two numbers, you first look at the tens place, and only if the tens are equal do you compare the ones place. This place-value-based reasoning is more sophisticated than the kindergarten approach of counting and matching. Worksheets that present pairs of two-digit numbers and ask students to write the correct comparison symbol build fluency with this skill. Students should also be able to order three or more numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least.

How do you teach greater than and less than symbols to first graders?

Many teachers use the "alligator mouth" strategy: the open end of the symbol always faces the larger number because the alligator wants to eat the bigger meal. Draw two numbers with the symbol between them and show how the open side faces the larger number. Reinforce with place value understanding: compare tens first, then ones. Use base-ten blocks so children can see that 47 has more tens than 32. Worksheets that pair visual base-ten block representations with the comparison symbols help children connect the concrete to the abstract. Practice with both "which is greater" and "which is less" questions ensures children understand the symbol in both directions, preventing the common error of always reading left to right.

Why is comparing numbers important in first grade math?

Comparing numbers develops place value understanding and number sense, both of which are critical for addition, subtraction, and problem solving. When a child can quickly determine that 67 is greater than 54, they demonstrate an understanding of how tens and ones compose a number. This reasoning supports estimation, mental math, and checking the reasonableness of answers. The comparison symbols (greater than, less than, equal to) are also used throughout mathematics, from simple number sentences through algebraic inequalities. Worksheets that progress from comparing single-digit numbers to two-digit numbers, and from using pictures to using only numerals, build this skill systematically across the first-grade year.

1st Grade · Math · 1.NBT.A.1, 1.NBT.B.3

Comparing Numbers Lesson Plan for 1st Grade

A ready-to-teach comparing numbers lesson for 1st Grade, built around comparing two numbers to 120 with greater than, less than and equal to, checking tens before ones, ten more and ten less, ordering 3 to 5 numbers, and the numbers before, after and between. Print the plan, print the practice pages, and you are set.

Approximately 45 minutes

Learning objective

Count on by ones to fill in missing numbers up to 120
Count back by ones across 100 and other tens
Find the number that comes between two numbers

Materials

Ordering numbers 1 -50 (ascending order)
Ordering numbers (up/down)
More than, less than symbols
Compare Numbers to 20 with Symbols
Compare Numbers with Flipped Digits
Circle the Greater Number and the Lesser Number
Pencils, and whiteboard space for the modeled examples

Lesson steps

1. Warm up together (5 min)
Count around the circle before anyone sits down, then ask where comparing numbers shows up outside this room. Listen for who counts confidently and who is watching a neighbour's lips.
2. Model it (I do) (10 min)
Work two examples of comparing numbers where everyone can see, saying each number aloud as you go. Miscount once on purpose and wait: the child who corrects you has it.
3. Practice together (we do) (10 min)
Work three more problems as a class. Ask a different student to supply each step rather than the whole answer. If a step stalls, drop back to concrete objects or a drawing before moving on.
4. Independent practice (you do) (15 min)
Hand out "Ordering numbers 1 -50 (ascending order)". Students work independently while you circulate. Note who is fluent, who is counting on fingers, and who has not started, because that grouping drives tomorrow's small group.
5. Close the loop (5 min)
Pull the class back. Ask one student to explain a problem they got right and one to name something that is still confusing. End on the confusion, not the success, so students learn that naming a gap is normal.

Check for understanding

Collect the practice pages and sort them into three piles: fluent, developing, and not yet. Any student in the third pile needs comparing numbers retaught in a small group before the class moves on.

Differentiation

Extra support. Students who stall: pull them into a small group and rebuild comparing numbers with concrete materials or a simpler text before asking for the written work again. Do not send the page home as homework, it will just rehearse the misunderstanding.

Extension. Students who finish early: ask them to write their own comparing numbers problem for a partner to solve, then check the partner's work. Creating a problem is harder than solving one and it surfaces whether they really understand comparing numbers.

Skills covered in this lesson

Ordering numbers (up/down) · Ordering numbers 0-30 · Ordering numbers 0-100 · More than, less than symbols · Comparing numbers 0-30 · Comparing numbers 0-100 · Comparing numbers · Ordering numbers

Practice pages for this lesson

6 items, 6 printable pages that match the independent-practice step.

Questions teachers ask about teaching comparing numbers

What number comparison skills should first graders have?: First graders should compare two two-digit numbers based on the meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results with the symbols for greater than, less than, and equal to (CCSS 1.NBT.B.3). They should understand that when comparing two numbers, you first look at the tens place, and only if the tens are equal do you compare the ones place. This place-value-based reasoning is more sophisticated than the kindergarten approach of counting and matching. Worksheets that present pairs of two-digit numbers and ask students to write the correct comparison symbol build fluency with this skill. Students should also be able to order three or more numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least.
How do you teach greater than and less than symbols to first graders?: Many teachers use the "alligator mouth" strategy: the open end of the symbol always faces the larger number because the alligator wants to eat the bigger meal. Draw two numbers with the symbol between them and show how the open side faces the larger number. Reinforce with place value understanding: compare tens first, then ones. Use base-ten blocks so children can see that 47 has more tens than 32. Worksheets that pair visual base-ten block representations with the comparison symbols help children connect the concrete to the abstract. Practice with both "which is greater" and "which is less" questions ensures children understand the symbol in both directions, preventing the common error of always reading left to right.
Why is comparing numbers important in first grade math?: Comparing numbers develops place value understanding and number sense, both of which are critical for addition, subtraction, and problem solving. When a child can quickly determine that 67 is greater than 54, they demonstrate an understanding of how tens and ones compose a number. This reasoning supports estimation, mental math, and checking the reasonableness of answers. The comparison symbols (greater than, less than, equal to) are also used throughout mathematics, from simple number sentences through algebraic inequalities. Worksheets that progress from comparing single-digit numbers to two-digit numbers, and from using pictures to using only numerals, build this skill systematically across the first-grade year.

More math lesson plans for 1st Grade

Looking for printables rather than a plan? Browse all comparing numbers worksheets for 1st Grade.