Young mathematicians spin their way to a deeper number sense with this fun, collaborative activity. Using two spinners, one with the numbers 0-9 and the other with the decades 00-90, pairs of students take turns building and comparing two-digit numbers using the appropriate symbols and vocabulary. The lesson calls for students to record their results in math journals, but instead, consider developing a simple worksheet that can be collected at the conclusion of the game. Implement this activity with the whole class, or as a center during math rotations, complementing a primary grade lesson series on place value.

Concepts

equal signs, inequalities, numbers, place value, tens

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Additional Tags

greater than, less than, equal to, comparing two digit numbers, composing numbers, place value, ones place, tens place, math

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Pros

• Activity engages learners in developing their number sense
• Directions are simple and easy to follow
• Offers suggestions for modifying the activity

Cons

• Assumes learners have prior experience comparing numbers and using the greater than, less than, and equal to symbols
• Requires the teacher to make, purchase, or borrow sets of spinners to use in the activity

Common Core

1.NBT.B.3 MP6 MP7