Use equality and inequality symbols to compare sets of objects
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the equality and inequality symbols to compare sets of objects.
Key learning points
- Use the symbol < to represent is less than.
- Use the symbol > to represent is more than.
- Use the symbol = to represent is equal to.
- The symbols should only be used between numerals.
Keywords
More than / greater than - has a greater amount / more items.
Fewer than / less than - has a lesser amount / fewer items.
Same as / equal to - exactly the same amount or value.
Common misconception
Children may confuse the symbols < and >
Use lots of practical examples with cubes or objects inside the symbols so children can see the larger end contains more objects.
Teacher tip
Ask children to make two towers of cubes and use rulers lined up with the top and bottom of each tower to create the < > and = symbols. You could make movable < > and = symbols from strips of card attached to a piece of card with paper fasteners.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does 'equal to' mean?
Q2.How many cubes are there here?
Q3.How many cubes are there here?
Q4.Which set has more cubes?
Q5.Which set has fewer cubes?
Q6.Sam thinks there are more cubes in Set A than Set B. Is Sam correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the symbol = represent?
Q2.What does the symbol < represent?
Q3.What does the symbol > represent?
Q4.Which symbol should go between these sets of cubes?
Q5.Which symbol should go between these sets of cubes?
Q6.Izzy thinks that these cubes are showing that 5 > 4. Is Izzy correct?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Use equality and inequality symbols to compare sets of objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Use equality and inequality symbols to compare sets of objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Comparing quantities - part part whole relationships unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.