Parent guide · Grade 1 Math · Unit 1

Lesson 1.3 Comparing with <, > and =

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time: 5 sessions of 20–25 minutes
Goal: Compare numbers to 20. Use the signs <, > and =.
You need: Number cards (printables pack)
Pencil and crayons
Print: Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page (it also has a short video (5:04))

Steps

Warm-up
Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.
- Ask: “Number bond: 10 is 2 and ___” Listen for: 8
- Ask: “Number bond: 10 is 5 and ___” Listen for: 5
- Ask: “Number bond: 10 is 3 and ___” Listen for: 7
- Ask: “Number bond: 10 is 4 and ___” Listen for: 6
- Ask: “Number bond: 10 is 10 and ___” Listen for: 0
Teach the new idea
Say this: “The sign < or > always opens toward the greater number: 15 > 9 and 9 < 15.”
Say this: “Read from left to right: ‘15 is greater than 9.’”
Say this: “Greater than (>): more than.”
Say this: “Less than (<): fewer than.”
Show how
Show: Write <, > or = : 10 ___ 18
Say this: “10 is less than 18.”
Say this: “10 < 18”
Answer: 10 < 18
Show: Write in order from least to greatest: 3, 13, 15, 12
Say this: “Compare the biggest place first, then the next place.”
Say this: “3 < 12 < 13 < 15”
Answer: 3, 12, 13, 15
Practice together
Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.
Ask: Write <, > or = : 10 ___ 0
Listen for: 10 > 0
If stuck: 10 is more than 0.
Ask: Write <, > or = : 6 ___ 0
Listen for: 6 > 0
If stuck: 6 is more than 0.
Ask: Write <, > or = : 1 ___ 6
Listen for: 1 < 6
If stuck: 1 is less than 6.
7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.
Watch for
- Pointing the sign the wrong way. The open side faces the bigger number.
Game: Bond Snap
Deal number cards 0–10. Turn one card each; if the two cards make 10, the first to say “Ten!” keeps them.
Narration
Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”
Listen for: Compare numbers to 20.; Use the signs <, > and =.
Daily habit
Count to 120 by ones and back from 30. Say the make-ten pairs quickly.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 20–25 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.