Greater Than and Less Than Math Lesson

Math Time!

We studied comparing two numbers and the students learned about two new math symbols!  We called them alligators or crocodiles and used these fun learning tools, created so students could actively engage in tactile, concrete examples.

Scenario: The Alligators are VERY hungry animals and are always looking for more food.  The alligator jaws open wide to the pond with the most fish, while the tail of the alligator points to the pond with less fish.

 Students set up their individual boards and recited their comparison just like they read a book, from left to right.

Another mnemonic: student hold up their left hand and make an L with their thumb and pointer finger, have them now angle those finger into an acute angle (build in a fun little story as to why their "L" is getting sloppy).  Guess what, their "L" has now turned into a Less Than symbol.