visualizing math concepts

Another Math Dice Game: Teaching the Concept of More and Less

Is it greater than, less than, or equal to? Whatever it is, it's in the bag!

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Yesterday I posted the fun addition and subtraction dice games.

While I was making those example Baggies, I thought how perfect this idea would be for the greater than, less than concept, as the Baggies are clear, and when flipped over would reveal the opposite symbol!

All I had to do was include a small square that said = on it, for students to cover the < > signs, when they rolled doubles, and I was in business!

Students can either work independently or choose a partner and play against them, seeing who can solve the most equations before the timer rings.

Here’s how to play the game:

Children roll 2 dice and find that equation on their paper.

They rewrite it, and then show it in their manipulative Baggie, flipping the bag to whatever side they need to show greater than or less than, or covering the symbol with an equals sign if they roll doubles.

If they roll the same 2 dice that they already have an equation for, they lose their turn.

Baggie Manipulatives:

Put 10 buttons, or whatever manipulatives you have, in large Ziploc Baggies.   Draw a greater than sign in the middle. Trace a black line above and below it.

Give it a few seconds to dry and then flip it over and retrace to make the less than symbol. Using index cards or old file folders, cut squares and label them with equal signs. Tuck one in each baggie.  I’ve also made greater than and less than label templates if you want to stick those on the top of your Baggies to help your students associate the words with the symbols.

Simply put a 30-on-a-page Avery label sheet into your printer and print.  Students move the manipulatives to the right and left to show the equation they rolled.  For example: 5 < 6,   3 = 3,  4 > 1

Click on the link to view/download Greater Than Less Than Dice Game

My Baggie idea was inspired by Mrs. T’s addition Baggies on her First Grade Blog. Click on the link to see how this creative teacher uses her Baggies.

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His toothy grin is the symbol. Students have fun "feeding" him numbers.

Click on the link to view/download Alligobbler.

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Do you have a greater than  /  less than concept that helps your students understand things?  I'd enjoy hearing from you. diane@teachwithme.com You can also post a comment here as well.

Do drop in tomorrow for another teaching tip, until then, remember:

"Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!"

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