Greater Than or Less Than?

Today I introduced my friend Mr. Gator to my first graders with the following story and poster:

Common Core State Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.3
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
Putting Mr. Gator to the Test!
My students compared different numbers to see which ones were greater using Mr. Gator.
Materials:
*Pipe cleaners (green)
*Googly eyes
*White construction paper (cut into small triangles for teeth)
*Number cards
*Recording Worksheet
*Pencil
Steps:

1. Pick the first two cards from the top of the deck of cards. Place cards on the table in a row with space in between them.
2. Compare both numbers by asking yourself: "Which number is greater?"
3. Make sure Mr. Gator's mouth is eating the right number!
4. Remember, Mr. Gator only likes to eat larger numbers!
Differentiated Instruction:
Provide students with manipulatives like unifix cubes so they have a tangible and visual tool to work with in order to understand the skill they are practicing.