Alligator Math Craft – Comparing Numbers Pre-K–2

Young learners build their own greater than, less than and equal to signs, then use them to compare numbers from 0 to 5. Two large alligator-mouth sign cards and an equal-bars card each get a paper handle, so children can hold a sign up or lay it flat on the comparison mat. The open mouth always faces the bigger number.

The mat on page 1 has a Number, Sign, Number board and three short rounds to record: build 3 and 5, swap them, then match 2 and 2. Six picture cards show 0 to 5 apples and six number cards show the numerals 0 to 5, so children can compare pictures, numerals or one of each. Two teacher pages explain assembly step by step, show a finished 2 < 4 example and give the mat key. They also add six spoken rounds, ideas for adjusting the challenge and quick questions to check understanding.

• Pre-K–2nd grade: comparing numbers with <, > and =
• Six pages: a comparison mat, three pages of cutouts and two teacher guide and key pages
• Print options: full-color and print-friendly black-and-white PDF versions