Two written numerals between 1 and 10
Compare two written numerals between 1 and 10 to determine which is greater or less
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“A numeral is a number written down. Greater than means a larger number; less than means a smaller number. We compare the numbers, not how big the writing looks. I will show 3 and 8, then you will try a different pair. You can explain with words or ask for drawings to help.”
Bring to the table
- Two sheets of paper; use blank areas for each new pair
- Washable marker; parent keeps the cap
Extra for the adult
Worked example. With written 3 and 8, match three dots in each row. Five dots remain in the row of eight. 8 is greater than 3; 3 is less than 8. The five unmatched dots show why. Larger handwriting would not change either number.
Optional challenge. For Two written numerals between 1 and 10, write 10 and 7 without drawings. Ask for both directions and why: 10 is greater than 7; 7 is less than 10. Later try 1 and 9 in reversed positions. Keep the same numeral size so page position and handwriting size do not give the answer.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: written pair 4 and 7; actual greater than and less than statements; reason given; support used (none, drawings, or modeled answer). A photo alone cannot record the explanation. This session samples one new pair, not the full range of comparisons from 1 to 10.
Share and support
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Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
A numeral is a number written down. Greater than means a larger number; less than means a smaller number. We compare the numbers, not how big the writing looks. I will show 3 and 8, then you will try a different pair. You can explain with words or ask for drawings to help.
Materials: two sheets of paper and a washable marker. Adult models 3 and 8 with matching dots, then covers the dots. Child compares a new written pair (4 and 7) with no drawings—says which is greater, which is less, and why. Done: both directions with a reason. Stop after that one new pair; keep the optional challenge for another day.
Family records and proof options
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Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Illustrative Mathematics · Practice link — not the full lesson
Which number is greater? Which number is less? How do you know?
Before you open · source notes
Comparing written numerals supports reading numbers between 1 and 10. Not every three-digit comparison.
Free, no sign-in. A teacher solution is on the same page, so use the student view with your child.
Before you openAsk the learner to point to the greater numeral and say how they know.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public Illustrative Mathematics task page. The .html address responds HTTP 308 to this URL. An anonymous GET of this URL on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt. Where a teacher solution is present, it is on the same page as the student task; this check did not find a separate locked student view. An adult can use the student view section and should not read a solution aloud. Advertising was not observed in the fetched HTML text; that is not a browser, device, or ad-free guarantee. This is a paper or discussion task, not an automatically marked interactive game. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. Diagrams on the page use missing or filename-only alt text, so they are not an accessible image equivalent. Accessibility still depends on an adult describing the picture.
Illustrative Mathematics. “Which number is greater? Which number is less? How do you know?.” Licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. External task; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute it.
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — link only
Check understanding
- Given two written numerals (e.g. 4 and 7), identify which is greater
- Correctly use > and < or 'greater than' / 'less than' to compare single-digit numerals
“If you write "3" and "8" on two pieces of paper and ask your child which number is bigger, can they get it right — and could they tell you why?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Counting & Cardinality
- Age range
- Ages 4–6
Standards