1.NBT.3: Comparing Two-Digit Numbers

1. Base Ten Blocks

Use ten-rods and unit cubes to build both numbers side by side. Compare by counting tens first, then ones if needed.

2. Place Value Chart

Create a chart with "Tens" and "Ones" columns. Place objects or draw dots to represent each number, making comparison visual.

3. Number Line

Draw a number line and mark both numbers. The number further to the right is greater.

4. "Hungry Alligator" Symbols

Draw > and < symbols as alligator mouths that always "eat" the bigger number.

1. Price Comparisons

At the store, compare prices: "This toy costs 47 dollars and that one costs 52 dollars. Which costs more?"

2. Sports Scores

Compare game scores: "Our team scored 38 points and their team scored 41 points. Who won?"

3. Age Comparisons

Compare family ages: "Grandma is 67 years old and Grandpa is 71 years old. Who is older?"

4. Collection Counting

Count collections: "You have 29 stickers and your friend has 35 stickers. Who has more?"

5. Temperature Talk

Compare temperatures: "Yesterday it was 73 degrees and today it's 68 degrees. Which day was warmer?"

1. "Tens First" Rule

Teach the rule: "Always look at the tens place first. The number with more tens is greater."

2. Use Consistent Language

Model thinking aloud: "I see 4 tens and 3 tens. 4 tens is more than 3 tens, so 42 is greater than 35."

3. Make it Visual

Draw quick pictures: sticks for tens, dots for ones. Visual comparison makes the concept clear.

4. Connect to Counting

If they know counting by tens, use it: "30, 40, 50... 42 comes after 35 when we count."

5. Start with Easier Numbers

Begin with numbers that differ by tens (like 20 vs 50) before moving to closer comparisons.

Activity 1: Number War

Use playing cards (remove face cards). Each player draws two cards to make a two-digit number. Compare to see who wins.

Activity 2: Symbol Practice

Write two numbers and have your child place the correct symbol (>, <, or =) between them.

Activity 3: Number Line Race

Call out two numbers and have your child point to which one comes first/last on a number line.

Activity 4: Story Comparisons

Create simple stories: "Sam has 34 marbles and Lisa has 29 marbles. Who has more marbles?"

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Compare numbers that differ in the tens place (like 23 vs 45)
• Use objects or drawings to show which number is greater
• Understand that the tens place is most important for comparison

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Compare any two two-digit numbers quickly and accurately
• Use >, <, and = symbols correctly
• Compare numbers that differ only in the ones place (like 47 vs 43)
• Explain their thinking using place value language

Simple Assessment:

Give your child pairs like 56 and 49, or 38 and 41. Ask them to identify which is greater and explain why.
Present problems with symbols: "Put the correct symbol between 67 __ 72."
Ask: "How do you know that 84 is greater than 79?" Look for place value reasoning.