Greater Than Less Than: Lego Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 16
Coordinating Activities
Greater Than Less Than: Lego Theme
- “Build It!” greater than or less than mat for two addition problems
- Addition cards with facts from 1 + 0 to 9 + 9
- Recording sheet for 10 number sentences
Kids build each addition problem with LEGO® bricks, find the sums and compare them.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink (cardstock works well)
- Laminator or page protector
- Paper cutter or scissors
- LEGO® bricks
- Pencil or dry erase marker
Standards for Addition and Comparing Numbers
This activity supports first grade math standards connected to adding within 20 and comparing numbers.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.C.6: Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Kids find the sum of each addition card.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.3: Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the greater than, equal to and less than symbols. Kids compare the two sums.
TEKS for Mathematics
- TEKS 1.2(G): Represent the comparison of two numbers to 100 using the greater than, less than or equal to symbols. Kids record which sum is greater.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- 1.NS.2.e: Compare two numbers between 0 and 120 represented pictorially or with concrete objects. Kids compare the two LEGO® towers.
Greater Than Less Than: Lego Theme gives first grade kids a hands-on way to add and compare numbers with LEGO® bricks.
Kids draw two addition cards, build each problem with LEGO® bricks on the “Build It!” mat and compare the sums. Then they decide if the first sum is greater than or less than the second.
Building with bricks lets kids see which tower is taller, which makes comparing sums concrete.
How to Use Greater Than Less Than: Lego Theme
- Print, laminate and cut apart the mat and cards.
- Kids draw two addition cards.
- Kids build each problem with LEGO® bricks and find the sums.
- Kids compare the sums and choose greater than or less than.
- Kids record the number sentence.
Partner Game: Each partner builds one problem; the greater sum wins the round.
Small Group: Build the towers side by side and compare heights.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This LEGO® Math Activity
Every group has a mix of addition and comparing skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use cards with sums to 10.
- Count the bricks together.
- Line up the towers to compare.
- Say the sentence together.
For On-Level Practice:
- Complete 10 comparisons.
- Write each number sentence.
- Read each sentence out loud.
- Check with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Solve without building.
- Find two cards with equal sums.
- Write your own addition cards.
- Compare three sums.
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 larger DUPLO® bricks.
- Use a number line.
Greater Than Less Than: Lego Theme Is Perfect For:
- Kindergarten
- First grade
- LEGO® lovers
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
