Greater Than Less Than Number Sort: Winter Snowball Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 5
Coordinating Activities
Greater Than Less Than Number Sort: Winter Snowball Theme
- Winter snowball sorting mat with “less than” and “more than” sides and a space to write any number from 100-999
- 30 snowball number cards with three-digit numbers
Write a number on the mat with a dry erase marker, then sort the snowballs.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink (cardstock works well)
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Dry erase marker
Standards for Comparing Three-Digit Numbers
These activities support second grade math standards connected to comparing three-digit numbers with place value.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.A.4: Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens and ones digits, using the greater than, equal to and less than symbols to record the results of comparisons. Kids compare each snowball number to the number on the mat.
TEKS for Mathematics
- TEKS 2.2(D): Use place value to compare and order whole numbers up to 1,200 using comparative language, numbers and symbols (greater than, less than or equal to). Kids compare each snowball number to the number on the mat.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- 2.NS.2.g: Compare two whole numbers, each 999 or less, represented concretely, pictorially or symbolically. Kids compare each snowball number to the number on the mat.
Greater Than Less Than Number Sort: Winter Snowball Theme gives second grade kids a quick way to compare three-digit numbers.
Write any number from 100 to 999 on the mat. Kids sort each snowball card to the “less than” or “more than” side.
Change the number on the mat to make the sort new again. Pick a middle number like 500 to start, then try numbers closer together.
How to Use Greater Than Less Than Number Sort: Winter Snowball Theme
- Print and laminate the mat and cards.
- Cut apart the snowball cards.
- Write a number from 100-999 on the mat.
- Kids sort each snowball to less than or more than.
- Kids read each comparison out loud.
Math Center: Change the number each day.
Small Group: Compare the hundreds digit first.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Number Sort
Every group has a mix of place value skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use 500 on the mat.
- Compare the hundreds digit first.
- Use a place value chart.
- Sort 10 cards at a time.
For On-Level Practice:
- Sort all 30 cards.
- Read each comparison.
- Change the number and sort again.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Order the cards from least to greatest.
- Use a number close to many cards, like 400.
- Write each comparison with symbols.
- Find the card closest to the mat number.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Talk through each step together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use base ten blocks.
- Color code the hundreds, tens and ones.
Greater Than Less Than Number Sort: Winter Snowball Theme Is Perfect For:
- Second grade
- Third grade
- Winter themes
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
