Tips and Activities to Teach Comparing 2-Digit Numbers
Comparing 2 Digit Numbers is a fundamental part of building number sense and helping students understand the value numbers have and their relationship to each other. When students master comparing numbers, it helps set the foundation for key math skills like:
✔️ Estimating
✔️ Ordering Numbers
✔️ Problem Solving
✔️ Estimating Numbers
✔️ and boosting overall math skills.
Comparing numbers truly is a lifelong skill. In this post, I’ll share tips and activities to teach comparing 2 digit numbers.
COMPARING 2-DIGIT NUMBERS USING PLACE VALUE
Before jumping into comparing two-digit numbers, it’s essential that your students have a firm grasp on place value. Understanding place value helps students recognize the significance of each digits position in a number. It allows them to see that changing the position of a number changes its value.
Start by modeling how to break down the numbers into tens and ones. For example, if you’re comparing 42 and 34, show your students that 42 has 4 tens and 2 ones, while 34 has 3 tens and 4 ones. This makes it easier for them to visually see which number is larger or smaller based on place value.
I love pulling out the base ten blocks for this exercise and having students build each number. Even having students draw base ten blocks to represent each number works well to help them visualize each numbers’ value.
COMPARING 2-DIGIT NUMBERS ANCHOR CHART
I’m a big fan of using anchor charts that students can easily refer to during lessons. Creating these charts with students not only keeps them actively engaged, but it also helps reinforce their understanding of the material. When teaching how to compare two-digit numbers, you can have students create their own anchor charts alongside you by filling in the blanks as you go. This hands-on activity helps them retain the concepts of comparing numbers and makes the learning process more interactive.
COMPARING 2-DIGIT NUMBERS ALLIGATOR METHOD
When it comes to comparing numbers, opinions can be mixed on using the alligator method. Personally, I’ve found that it’s a helpful visual tool for students to grasp the concept of greater than and less than. However, if you find that sticking with the comparison symbols alone works best for your students, that’s perfectly fine too! It’s all about finding what resonates with them.
COMPARING 2-DIGIT NUMBERS GAMES
Using games to teach comparing 2-digit numbers can be an effective and engaging way to hep students master this skill. Here are a few game ideas you can use:
Comparing Numbers Partner Game: Students will both draw a number card from the deck and then use the greater than and less than symbols to compare.
Roll the Dice to Compare: For this game each student will roll the dice two times. First for the tens place and then the ones place. Each time they roll, they’ll record the amount in their place value chart. Students will compare the value of both of their numbers. After ten tries, the one who has the most amount of greater numbers wins.
COMPARING 3-DIGIT NUMBERS WORKSHEETS 2nd GRADE
When teaching students to compare two-digit numbers, it’s essential to offer a variety of activities for practice. One effective activity is having students not only compare the numbers but also explain why one number is greater or less than the other. This kind of activity encourages a deeper understanding of the concept, helping students articulate their reasoning and solidify their learning.
Have students answer true or false questions about comparing numbers, and try using base ten blocks instead of numbers in standard form to compare. These activities give students a hands-on opportunity to deepen their understanding of comparing two-digit numbers.
I hope you’ve found some helpful tips and activities for teaching your students to compare two-digit numbers! Simply click on the images below to explore the resources featured in this post.
Looking for tips on comparing 3 digit numbers? Click the image below to check out the blogpost!
