Kindergarteners have recently been learning how to compare numbers. In our classroom, we use the “alligator method” to help teach this concept. It’s a fun and visual way for students to understand the idea of “more” and “less.” For this method, we visualize an alligator with its mouth open, eager to eat the larger number. The alligator’s mouth always faces the larger number, reinforcing the idea that “greater than” is represented by the open side of the alligator’s mouth. This approach not only helps students grasp the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols, but it also makes learning more engaging by adding a playful element to math. By associating numbers with the visual of the alligator, kindergarteners can easily understand comparison, which reinforces their number sense in a fun and memorable way.

After completing many activities that align with the unit, the students participated in an interactive activity where they used their bodies to create the comparison symbols. The students demonstrated great understanding and enthusiasm during the activity! To further develop this concept, the students were given two numbers to compare and demonstrate their understanding by drawing an alligator that “eats” the greater number. They were tasked with representing both numbers in a different way to showcase their comprehension. Their creations turned out so good that we plan to display them for others to see! After the Thanksgiving break, the students will continue to explore various ways to represent numbers as we begin to focus on number sense as a whole.