Are you looking for a fun, engaging Christmas math for December? Let’s work on comparing numbers with a cute Elf Number Comparison Game. This comparing numbers activity is perfect for kindergarten and first grade students. Simply print the greater than less than activity and you are ready to play and learn!
Comparing Numbers
Comparing numbers might not sound like the most exciting math skill to practice, but when you add a bit of holiday magic, it suddenly becomes something kids can’t wait to do! This comparing numbers activity is the perfect mix of learning and crafting, with a printable elf topper and presents for kids to cut out, compare, and glue down. Kids will look at the numbers on each present, decide if one number is bigger or smaller, and use the < or > symbol to show the comparison. It’s a hands-on, engaging way to work on an important math skill that they’ll use throughout their school years.
Plus don’t miss greater than less than worksheets, solve and stamp christmas math worksheets, and tons of Christmas printables
How to Teach Number Comparison
Teaching number comparison can be a fun experience, especially if you make it relatable and visual for younger kids. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful for teaching comparison:
- Start with Concrete Examples: When I introduce comparing numbers, I like to begin with real objects instead of just numbers on a page. You can use blocks, small toys, or even snacks (my kids love comparing crackers or grapes). Give them two piles and ask, “Which has more?” It helps them understand the concept of “more” and “less” before moving on to abstract numbers.
- Use Relatable Language: Sometimes symbols like < and > can be confusing at first, but I explain them as “the alligator mouth” or “hungry elf” who always wants to eat the bigger number. By making it fun and adding a bit of storytelling, kids are more likely to remember which direction the symbols face. I always tell them, “The hungry elf opens its mouth to the bigger number!”
- Practice with Number Lines: For some kids, number lines are a great visual tool. You can show them where two numbers fall on the line and which is closer to the start (smaller) and which is further (bigger). It’s a simple, visual way to reinforce the idea of comparing numbers.
- Add Festive, Hands-On Activities: Kids learn best when they’re engaged and having fun, so adding a holiday theme can help keep them interested. That’s where this elf topper and present cut-out activity comes in—it’s a fun, interactive way to practice comparing numbers, and the craft element keeps kids excited and focused.
Comparing Numbers Activity
This comparing numbers activity is designed to be easy to use and engaging for kids. Here’s how to set it up and use it with your class or at home:
- Print the Sheets – Start by printing the elf topper and the sheet with the present cutouts. Each present has a number on it, and kids will need to compare pairs of presents and decide which is bigger or smaller. Make sure each child has a copy of both pages and scissors and glue ready to go.
Tip: If you’re using this activity with a group, consider printing the sheets on cardstock for added durability, especially if you plan on displaying them.
- Explain the “Hungry Elf” Concept – Introduce the idea that the elf is hungry and always wants to “eat” the bigger number. Show them how the mouth (the open side of the < or > symbol) always faces the larger number. This can be a fun and simple way for them to remember how to place the symbols.
For example: “The elf sees a present with a 7 and a present with a 3. Which one does he want? He’s hungry for the bigger number, so he opens his mouth to the 7!”
- Cut Out and Compare the Presents – Have the kids cut out each present from the printable sheet. They’ll then take two presents at a time, look at the numbers, and decide which number is larger. This is the perfect time to encourage them to say the comparison out loud. For example, “5 is less than 8” or “10 is greater than 2.” This helps reinforce the concept as they’re doing the hands-on work.
- Place and Glue the Symbols – Once they’ve decided which number is bigger, they’ll glue down the presents on the worksheet under the elf topper, with the correct symbol in between. This part is always a hit because they get to choose and place the symbols themselves, which makes them feel in control of their work. It’s also a great chance for them to double-check their choices.
- Add the Elf Topper – Once they’re done comparing and gluing down their presents, they get to add the elf topper at the top of the page. It’s a simple addition, but it makes their work look complete and gives them a little holiday keepsake to take home.
Greater than less than activity
If you want to add even more learning opportunities to this activity, here are a few easy extension ideas:
- Number Comparison Scavenger Hunt – After they finish their elf activity, send the kids on a number scavenger hunt around the classroom. Place numbers on sticky notes around the room and have them find two at a time to compare. They can write down the pairs and add the < or > symbols to show which is larger. It’s a fun way to get them moving and practicing number comparison at the same time!
- Create a Story with Numbers – For a twist, encourage kids to write a little story involving the elf and the presents. They could write something simple, like “The elf found a 7-present and a 10-present. He was so hungry he went for the 10-present first!” It’s a creative way for them to work on writing skills while reinforcing the concept of bigger and smaller numbers.
Christmas Math
Teaching kids to compare numbers doesn’t have to be a chore—in fact, with a little creativity, it can be a lot of fun! This elf-themed comparing numbers activity brings together math practice and a hands-on holiday craft, making it memorable and engaging for young learners.
By using visuals like presents and the “hungry elf” idea, kids can better understand which numbers are bigger or smaller, and feel more confident with their math skills.
Plus, the elf topper and cut-out presents give them a festive, finished product they’re proud to show off. So print out this activity, gather some scissors and glue, and watch your kids light up as they master number comparison with a holiday twist!
Christmas Activities
- Free Christmas Tracing Sheets, Elf on the Shelf free printables pdf (printable ideas for every day of the month!)
- FUN How to grow a Candy Cane Activity for December, Printable Christmas Games for kids, Fun & Free Christmas Maze Printable, 12 Days of Christmas Coloring Pages or Free Christmas Coloring Pages or December Holiday Coloring Pages, Beautiful Melted Crayon Ornaments, How to Make Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
- Snowman Baubles printable paper ornaments, O Little Christmas Star Ornament Craft
- Precious Snowman Handprint Ornament, Cute Winter Card Ideas for kids, FREE Christmas Hat Template
- Cute Reindeer Feet Craft, Fingerprint Rudolph Easy Christmas Craft, This Puffy Gingerbread Puffy Paint smells AMAZING! Outrageously Cool Glue Snowman Craft, Make Christmas Slime – Gingerbread Slime, Mr. Grinch Slime, Christmas Fluffy Slime, Edible, Stretchy Peppermint Playdough, Glittery Green slime recipe with contact solution, or Melting Snowman Slime
- Snow Clay to make beautiful Christmas Ornaments, Melting Christmas Tree – a simple Christmas Science Experiments
- Fizzy Ornaments Baking Soda Christmas Ornaments Experiment, Easy, Epic Spinning Christmas Tree Experiment or this Ornaments-Go-Round Christmas STEM Activities with batteries, Rudolph Race Game Combines fun and physics for kids! Festive Christmas Magic Milk Science Experiment, Dissolving peeps Christmas Science Experiment
- Super cool Christmas Lime Battery, Epic Snow Volcano Science Experiment, Melting Snowman Winter Science Experiment
Comparing Numbers Printable
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