📖

Tens First: The Comparison Strategy

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers

Day 17of 180
Week 4of 36
30Minutes
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🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Compare two-digit numbers by first looking at the tens place

2

Use base-ten blocks to verify number comparisons

3

Develop an understanding of God's orderly design in mathematics

📖 Scripture Connection

1 Corinthians 14:40

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

Just as we compare numbers systematically (tens first, then ones), God values order and precision in His creation

📦 Materials Needed

  • Base-ten blocks
  • Number cards (0-99)
  • Comparison symbol cards (>, <, =)
  • Hundred chart
  • Pencil
  • Worksheet
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Review yesterday's alligator comparison method and introduce today's 'Tens First' strategy

💭 Review Question: Remember how the alligator's mouth always points to the bigger number?
2Teaching (10 min)

Demonstrate comparing numbers by looking at tens place first

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • When numbers have different tens, we can quickly see which is bigger
  • If tens are the same, then look at ones place
  • Base-ten blocks help us visualize this strategy
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Which is bigger: 34 or 42?
  • How can we tell without counting every single number?
3Activity: Tens First Block Challenge (12 min)
hands-on

Students use base-ten blocks to compare numbers and verify their comparisons

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw two number cards
  2. Build each number with base-ten blocks
  3. Compare the tens towers first
  4. If tens are equal, compare ones cubes
  5. Place correct comparison symbol between numbers
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use numbers with clearly different tens places

Challenge: Include numbers close to each other in value

4Closing (3 min)

Recap the 'Tens First' strategy and celebrate learning

📝 Review Questions:
  • What do we look at first when comparing numbers?
  • Why is having an orderly approach important?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore comparing numbers on a number line

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Children are learning systematic comparison strategies

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Be patient and use lots of visual demonstrations
  • Praise effort over perfect answers
  • Make comparisons feel like a fun game
🤔 Common Struggles:

Remembering to look at tens place before ones

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Consistent use of tens-first comparison method

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a number comparison game using BibleMouse Resource Guide
  • Practice comparing numbers during daily activities like setting the table

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 18 →Back to Math