FREEBIE: Place Value Sorts: Computation and Comparing Numbers

    At our school, we have a time designated at Math SGI, which stands for Math Small Group Instruction.  This is the time that we focus on math intervention as well as independent work time.  I find that my students are the most engaged when they are doing an activity or a game.  One thing that my students love to do are math sorts.  I introduced this new math game to my students and they loved it!  

      I created 6 different sets of cards and partnered up my students.  Each group had a number and they had to sort the equations on the cards into three categories.  

Example: The number was 20 so students had to sort the equations into three columns 

A.) Greater Then 20 

B.) Equal to 20 

C.)Less Than 20.  

*The equation cards were addition (2 and 3 addends), subtraction, and multiplication. 

    When I used these sets at the beginning of third grade, I just made a slight adjustment by pulling out the cards with multiplication on them, since some students hadn't learned multiplication yet.  

       Once students get into the swing of multiplication, it is easy to put these cards back in.  By having a partner, students were able to support each other as they tried to solve the more challenging problems.  They could use their mini white board to draw a picture if they needed to.  It was a successful activity and challenged those who needed a challenge.  I included a record sheet and had them use it at the end, but the card set could be used just as a "sort." If you would like this sort for your own classroom, you can get it for FREE at my TPT store for today and tomorrow.  You get six different sorts and the record sheet.  Enjoy! 

~Heather