Today we’re going to learn how to tell when a number is bigger or smaller than another number. It’s just like comparing the height of you and your friends!

What Makes a Number Bigger or Smaller?

The bigger number means:

* It has more things

* It comes later when we count

* It’s further on our number line

The smaller number means:

* It has fewer things

* It comes earlier when we count

* It’s closer to the start of our number line

 

Let’s Compare Numbers!

Using Groups of Stars

Look at these groups:

⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

* 5 is bigger than 3

* 3 is smaller than 5

* We can write it as: 3 < 5

Using a Number Line

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10

  • Numbers get bigger as we move right
  • Numbers get smaller as we move left
  • 7 is bigger than 4 because it’s further right
  • 2 is smaller than 6 because it’s further left

 

Fun Examples to Remember

In the Park:

* 8 trees is bigger than 4 trees

* 2 swings is smaller than 6 swings

* 9 children is bigger than 7 children

In Your Toy Box:

* 10 blocks is bigger than 5 blocks

* 3 cars is smaller than 8 cars

* 1 teddy bear is smaller than 4 teddy bears

 

Let’s Practice Together!

Which number is bigger?

* 7 or 3? (7 is bigger!)

* 9 or 5? (9 is bigger!)

* 2 or 6? (6 is bigger!)

Which number is smaller?

* 4 or 8? (4 is smaller!)

* 1 or 3? (1 is smaller!)

* 7 or 5? (5 is smaller!)

 

Fun Ways to Practice:

  1. Count Your Toys:
  • Which toy do you have more of?
  • Which toy do you have less of?

 

  1. Compare with Friends:
  • Who has more crayons?
  • Who has fewer stickers?

 

 Think of it like a hungry alligator’s mouth:

  • The wide open side always faces the bigger number
  • The pointy side always faces the smaller number

Examples:

  • 5 > 3 (Five is bigger than three)
  • 2 < 7 (Two is smaller than seven)
  • 9 > 4 (Nine is bigger than four)
  • 1 < 6 (One is smaller than six)

Remember:

  • The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number!
  • The wide open side (>) points to the bigger number
  • The pointy side (<) points to the smaller number

Think of it like a hungry alligator’s mouth – it always opens toward the bigger number!

Remember:

  • Bigger numbers mean more things
  • Smaller numbers mean fewer things
  • Use the number line to help you compare
  • The alligator’s mouth (> or <) always points to the smaller number

Keep practicing with numbers – soon you’ll be a comparing expert! 🌟

Know your numbers. Mark the biggest and smallest number (0-20)

 

Image Courtesy

Worksheet- Biggest and Smallest Number