First graders learn to compare two numbers and show which is bigger using the symbols >, <, and = — with the help of a hungry “alligator mouth” that always eats the greater number.
Students will be able to…
You have 7 stickers and your friend has 4. Who has more? How can we show “more,” “less,” and “the same” with just three little symbols?
Project each item and have students choose >, <, or =. The tool explains how the “alligator mouth” always opens toward the bigger number.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
You have 7 stickers, your friend has 4 — who has more?
Teacher models.
Class uses Which Symbol?
Students compare.
One comparison.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Compare two two-digit numbers using the symbols >, =, and <.
Understand place value to compare numbers.
Find 10 more or 10 less to help compare.
Reason abstractly about quantity and comparison.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have families compare amounts around the house — who has more crackers, which cup has less juice — and say “greater than,” “less than,” or “equal.” A printable comparing sheet is in the Math library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.