Alligator Greater

Using the comparison symbols > and < have always seemed to stump my first graders. They can never remember which way the sides should go or which way to read it once they get it down on paper. I have seen several great ways to help them remember, but the one I like best is the alligator. The children can remember that the alligator likes to chomp the greater number, helping them remember which way the sign should go by using a little imagination and thinking about that big side chomping down. 

I found this great printable on pinterest and thought it looked like a lot of fun. The children can actually color it and then practice inequalities at home as well, which is a fun bonus! 

In class each child was given some goldfish to put in the pond as well as an alligator. The children took turns picking numbers for us to put on either side of the workmat and then we set up our alligators to chomp the greater number and then practiced reading it. The children really got into it and had fun practicing using these symbols!