Are you looking for a flexible resource for comparing numbers? One that will help you address the range of instructional needs in second grade?
Photo by Snapshots and Smiles
Here’s a free activity that you can use to teach, practice, or review comparing three-digit numbers at a concrete, representational, or abstract level. That makes it ideal to implement with your resource, intervention, or guided math groups, as well as an independent center.
We might consider sunglasses to be just a summery theme. National Sunglasses Day is even celebrated annually on June 27th. With a tad of research, I discovered it is a day to encourage you to wear your sunglasses all year long! The Vision Council sponsors this day to stress the importance of preventing UV-related eye damage.
Just pointing it out, you can use this resource year-round whenever your students are comparing numbers!
A Tool for Comparing Numbers at the Concrete Level
This three-digit number resource includes a themed comparison mat. Choose a sunglasses number card. Use the mat and base ten blocks to model how to build each number and compare. Let students in a small instructional group each pick a sunglasses number card. Provide the opportunity for guided practice.
Tools for Comparing Numbers at the Representational Level
When students demonstrate understanding at the concrete level, they can draw or color base ten blocks to represent each number. Draw squares, lines, and dots to represent hundreds, tens, and ones. Students who find this difficult can color the blocks.
An Engaging Activity at the Abstract Level
You can use this resource as an independent math center in several ways. For the easiest preparation, give students a set of sunglasses number cards and recording sheets. They simply pick a card and record the answer. Repeat until finished or the allotted time is up.
To increase engagement, set this up as a roam the room activity. Post the sunglasses number cards in various locations (walls, cabinets, bookcases, desks, etc.) around the classroom. Copy a recording sheet for each student. Provide each student with a clipboard. Students match the letter on the card to the letter on their paper to complete the task.
If you have a class with 18 or fewer students, they can play Scoot with these cards. Find detailed directions from Rhodes University by clicking on the highlighted word.
How to Prepare “Sunsational” Comparisons
- Choose the color or black/ gray/ white option.
- Decide how you will use this resource with your students and the materials needed.
- Print the sunglasses number cards. Use card stock and laminate for durability. Cut as rectangles or sunglasses.
- The comparison mat is on two pages. Print on card stock and laminate. Trim the right side of the first page and the left side of the second page along the background. Then, place the pages face side down so the trimmed edges abut. Tape along the seam. Fold to store. Make one copy for a small group to share or multiple copies for individual students.
- Print copies of the draw and compare and/ or color and compare sheets. These can be laminated or used with dry erase pockets and dry erase markers or crayons to save paper.
- Make one copy of the recording sheet for each student.
Click on the highlighted words to download your free copy of “Sunsational” Comparisons Color Version or “Sunsational” Comparisons Black and White Version.
Be sure to share how you used this idea for comparing numbers in the comments below!
Do your learners need help with using the symbols for comparison? Stories by Storie has a helpful tip. Read a similar post by the Math Coach’s Corner.
Looking for more resources for comparing three-digit numbers?
Head on over to TpT to check out my Rainforest Animals Comparing Three-Digit Numbers Task Card Activity, a recent addition to my Collect Them All series. Try this appealing task card activity with a twist!
Check back soon for more three-digit number resources!
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