Lesson Plan:
Greater Than, Less Than: Comparing Three-Digit Numbers
October 28, 2015
October 28, 2015
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to compare three digit numbers using the <, >, and = symbols.
Lesson
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Write the numbers 54 and 45 on the board.
- Ask your students to identify the bigger, or greater number.
- Ask students to explain how they know which number is greater.
- Tell students that today they are going to do something similar by comparing 3-digit numbers.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling (10 minutes)
- Read aloud the following number story: Pam has 255 stamps. Jody has 276 stamps. Who has more stamps?
- Show students how to line up the numbers by place value in a chart on the board. Make three columns with hundreds, tens, and ones.
- Explain to your students that when comparing numbers, they can start with the digit in the greatest place value first. If they are the same, then they can compare digits in the next place value.
- Ask students how many hundreds are in both numbers on the board.
- Then, ask a volunteer to explain what to do when both numbers are the same.
- Look at the digits in the tens place, and discuss with the class which digit is greater.
- Explain to students that because the 7 is greater than the 5, 276 is greater than 255.
- Lead a discussion that > means greater than and < means less than. Demonstrate that the arrow opens toward the bigger number, and show this visually with your arms.
- Ask which symbol is the correct one to use for the problem on the board.
- Repeat the activity to compare 234 and 454 or other numbers.
Guided Practice/Interactive Modeling (10 minutes)
- Help students work through the first two exercises on the worksheet. Show the examples on the board. Have students decide which symbol should be used in each exercise.
- If needed, take out manipulatives to practice with.
Independent Working Time (10 minutes)
- Have students complete the rest of the worksheet on their own.
Extend
Differentiation
- Enrichment: For advanced students, have them compare numbers with more than three digits. Ask them to explain how they determined which one was greater. Encourage them to write a number story comparing 3-digit numbers, and direct them to use comparison words such as greater than, less than, and equal to.
- Support: Give your students manipulatives while working through the exercises, and have them draw out a scenario with the numbers, such as with coins or chips.
Review
Assessment (5 minutes)
- Ask students a comparison question. For example: How do you compare 808 with 880 using >, <, or an equal sign? Explain.
- Have them practice writing out a place value chart.
Review and Closing (5 minutes)
- Ask a volunteer to summarize how to compare 3-digit numbers. Have him come up with numbers to ask the rest of the class to compare.
Guided Lessons are a sequence of interactive digital games, worksheets, and other activities
that guide learners through different concepts and skills.
They keep track of your progress and help you study smarter, step by step.
Guided Lessons are digital games and exercises that keep track of your progress and help you study smarter, step by step.
Learning three-digit numbers can be a challenging part of the math curriculum for many second graders. This lesson helps to support second graders' understanding of larger numbers by teaching them place value. Kids will compare three-digit numbers and learn to count up to 1000 with guided instruction. When the lesson is finished, consider printing out the corresponding worksheets recommended by our curriculum designers.
Learning three-digit numbers can be a challenging part of the math curriculum for many second graders.
This lesson includes printable activities:
Download All (5)
Song: Place Value Song
Game: 3-Digit Place Value Baking
Game: Speed Counting: 394 to 416
Game: 3-Digit Place Value Machine
Game: Number Hold'em 2
Game: 2-Digit Addition Gameshow
Game: Less Than or Greater Than: 100 to 999
