Unit Plan 8 (Grade 1 Math): Compare Two-Digit Numbers
Compare Grade 1 two-digit numbers by tens and ones; record with >, =, <; and justify reasoning using models or number lines for clear place-value understanding.
Focus: Use >, =, and < to compare two-digit numbers based on tens and ones; explain and justify comparisons with models and words.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Mathematics (Number & Operations in Base Ten)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students learn to compare two-digit numbers by looking first at the tens place, then the ones place. They build and draw both numbers, place them on place-value mats or a number line, and record results with >, =, or <. Emphasis is on explaining why a comparison is true.
Essential Questions
- How do the tens and ones in a number help me decide which is greater?
- When do I use >, =, or < and what do those symbols mean?
- How can a model or number line help me justify my comparison?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Compare two-digit numbers using the values of the tens and ones digits.
- Represent both numbers with base-ten blocks, drawings, or a number line and decide which is greater.
- Record comparisons with >, =, < and explain the reasoning in words (“__ tens is more than __ tens…”).
- Critique and revise comparisons by checking the tens first, then ones.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)
- 1.NBT.3: Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with >, =, and <.
- Mathematical Practices: MP.3 (Construct arguments & critique) emphasized; MP.6, MP.7 threaded.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can look at the tens first, then the ones, to decide which number is greater.
- I can use the symbols >, =, < correctly to record a comparison.
- I can show my thinking with a model or number line and explain why my comparison is true.