Resources for Comparing Numbers (4.NBT.A.2, 5.NBT.A.3b)

Common Core State Standard 4.NBT.A.2 asks fourth graders to "compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place." A six-minute video created by Ginny Baldwin for LearnZillion provides a wonderful lesson opener. Don't forget to click on the Guided Practice video for related story problems. Custom-made worksheets can be created at Math-Aids.com. To really motivate your class, try these games and task cards:

• Catch the Fly! and Pirates vs. Ninjas, two games created by Jonathan Pearson
• Comparing Numbers Task Cards for two digits, three digits, four digits, or five digits and above by ChiliMath

Fifth graders can learn how to "compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place" (5.NBT.A.3b) with three different LearnZillion videos created by Julie McGough: Comparing Decimals with Base-10 Blocks, Comparing Decimals with a Number Line, and Comparing Decimals Using Fractions. To practice ordering decimals, try Ordering Decimals Cards, created by Misty Miller.

Two products created for Teachers pay Teachers by MissKinBK involve students in reading, writing, and comparing decimals. Check out Place Value Task Cards for Fifth Grade and Mmmmm...Math! Sweet Place Value Practice with Decimals for some engaging practice.

As you can see, comparing whole numbers and decimals can be sweet! All you have to do is make use of all of the free and inexpensive resources floating around in cyberspace!