1.2.E

Math1st Grade

The Standard

use place value to compare whole numbers up to 120 using comparative language

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students decide which of two numbers represents more, less, or the same amount. They use the hundreds, tens, and ones to explain their comparison.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student correctly compares two numbers and states the relationship using greater than, less than, or equal to. The student explains the choice by comparing hundreds, tens, then ones.

Common Misconceptions

Students may compare only the ones digits, claiming 47 is greater than 52 because 7 is greater than 2. They may also confuse the phrases greater than and less than, especially when numbers are close.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Complete with greater than, less than, or equal to: 68 ___ 86, 107 ___ 112, and 95 ___ 95. Explain one answer using place value.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give pairs base-ten blocks and number cards, then have students build each number and say which number is greater or less.

  2. Ask: Which is greater, 79 or 97, and how do the tens digits prove your answer?

  3. Play Number War with cards from 0 to 120, awarding each pair only after the winner states a correct comparison sentence.

  4. Compare two classroom supply counts, such as 84 crayons and 48 pencils, then write a sentence describing which amount is greater.

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