Hungry Monsters Slides
HUNGRY MONSTERS
Comparing Numbers 0-20
Meet the Number Muncher!
Hungry!
The Number Muncher is always hungry.
He always eats the BIGGER number!
15 > 8
"15 is GREATER than 8!"
Which is Bigger?
Before we use symbols, let's find the larger number!
12 vs 17
20 vs 10
The Monster's Secrets
>
Greater Than
<
Less Than
=
Equal To
Sorting Challenge!
You will get your own Sorting Mat!
<
>
=
"Can you feed all the monsters correctly?"
YOU ARE READY!
Time for your Number Munchers Worksheet!
Number Munchers Worksheet
Number Munchers
Written Practice
Name:
Date:
1
The Big Snack!
Circle the LARGER number in each pair.
12 vs 17
20 vs 10
5 vs 9
14 vs 4
11 vs 18
16 vs 6
2
Feed the Monster!
Draw the symbol <, >, or = in the circle.
15
12
3
13
19
19
20
10
> Greater
< Less
= Equal
3
Symbol Sort Mat
Cut out the cards from the next page and glue them into the correct column!
<
>
=
Cut-Out Cards
4
12
18
3
15
15
7
19
20
11
6
6
2
14
16
9
10
10
1
8
13
5
20
20
Teacher Munch Guide
TEACHER MUNCH GUIDE
Lesson: Hungry Monsters (Comparing 0-20)
Lesson Overview
This lesson introduces 1st-grade students to the symbols for greater than, less than, and equal to. By using the "Hungry Monster" analogy, students visualize the symbols as a mouth that always wants to eat the larger quantity.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the meanings of the <, >, and = symbols.
- Compare two numbers between 0 and 20.
- Accurately use comparison symbols to relate two numbers.
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction (Slides)
Use the Hungry Monsters Slides to present the symbols. Emphasize that the mouth always opens toward the bigger number. Model the finger/hand "alligator mouth" for students to mimic.
2
Independent Practice (Worksheet)
Hand out the Number Munchers Worksheet. Part 1 focuses on identifying the larger number (the concept), and Part 2 introduces symbol writing.
3
Hands-on Activity (Sort)
Conclude with the Symbol Sort Activity. Students cut, compare, and categorize. This is great for tactile learners and allows for quick visual assessment of student understanding.
Support Strategies
For students who struggle:
- Provide a 0-20 number line for reference.
- Use physical counters to build both numbers before comparing.
- Draw "teeth" on the symbols to reinforce the mouth idea.
Extension Strategies
For advanced learners:
- Challenge them with numbers up to 50 or 100.
- Introduce comparison of simple sums (e.g., 5+2 vs 10).
- Ask them to write their own "true" number sentences.
