Introducing “Reading and Comparing Numbers” – a fun and educational place value game designed to help children strengthen their number reading and comparison skills. This hands-on activity is perfect for classrooms or at-home learning, engaging children in reading, comparing, and writing number sentences.
National Curriculum Objective:
Year 3 Number and Place Value – Compare and order numbers up to 1000.
Year 4 Number and Place Value – Order and compare numbers beyond 1000.
Year 5 Number and Place Value – Read, write, order and compare numbers to at least 1,000,000 and determine the value of each digit.
Year 6 Number and Place Value – Read, write, order and compare numbers up to 10,000,000 and determine the value of each digit.
Aim of the Game:
To compare numbers against a target number using “greater than” and “less than” prompts, while reinforcing the correct use of mathematical symbols.
What’s Do You Need?
A target number.
A variety of numbers greater and less than the target number.
Space to write down number sentences with the correct comparison symbols.
How to Play:
Setup:
Choose a target number and write it in the center of the board or paper (e.g., 438).
Surround the target number with a selection of numbers that are either greater than or less than the target number.
Gameplay:
The teacher or game leader shouts either “greater than” or “less than.”
Players then choose a number from the selection that fits the prompt. For example, if the prompt is “greater than,” players pick a number that is greater than the target (e.g. 500). If the prompt is “less than,” they choose a number smaller than the target (e.g. 54).
For added practice, players can write down a number sentence using the correct symbols (e.g. 500 > 438).
Challenge Yourself:
Continue playing by giving more “greater than” or “less than” prompts to further compare numbers.
Make it more challenging by changing the target number or asking players to compare multiple numbers at once.
Winning the Game:
The game can go on for as long as you’d like, with the goal being to correctly compare as many numbers as possible while practicing place value skills.
Educational Benefits:
Reinforces understanding of place value and number comparison.
Encourages the correct use of mathematical symbols (>, <, =).
Enhances number reading and fluency in comparing large and small numbers.
Provides opportunities for independent or paired work, with a focus on critical thinking and reasoning.
“Reading and Comparing Numbers” is an excellent way to make place value practice both engaging and interactive. Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or after-school activities, this game helps children boost their confidence with numbers and deepen their understanding of comparison skills. Ready to shout “greater than” and “less than”? Let the number fun begin!
