'Comparing numbers' tutor notes

The Comparing numbers module introduces place value, place holders, comparing numbers and using the inequality signs > and <. It is set at Basic Skills Curriculum Level 1 N1/L1.1 and includes place value columns up to 7 digits.

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• The Writing big numbers module on Skillswise is related to this same topic. It covers writing large numbers in words and figures, using place value.
• The use of greater than and less than signs can be practised in the games in the two modules Writing big numbers and Calculating time

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/L1.1 - read, write, order and and compare numbers, including large numbers.
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Comparing numbers factsheets
You'll find curriculum references in the top right corner of the factsheets.
There are five factsheets for this module, on 'print-out-and-keep' sheets:

• Factsheet 1 - Introduction to place value and digits.
• Factsheet 2 - Using zero as a place holder.
• Factsheet 3 - Two common mistakes: not lining up in columns and missing out place holders.
• Factsheet 4 - Introduction to the less than and greater than signs
• Factsheet 5 - Introduction to place value in seven digit numbers.

Comparing numbers quiz
There are 3 levels. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest. Each level of the quiz has 10 questions. Level B is about using the greater than and less than signs.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Comparing numbers game
In the game students practise putting numbers in order using place value. All of the numbers are made up of ones and zeros. There are 3 levels; Level A is the easiest and level C the hardest. In Level A there are four numbers to order, Level B has six and Level C, eight. Watch 'How to play' to find out how the game works. At the end of each level students may print out a gamesheet to show their results.
Note: There's a link to the factsheet on place value at the beginning of the game which students may print out for extra help.

Comparing numbers worksheets
These are extra, printable resources to carry on the work learners have done online. There is one reference sheet and three worksheets:

• TV viewing figures - This sheet is used for reference in worksheet 1 and also for help if needed in answering worksheet 2.
• Worksheet 1 - Order large numbers (Millions).
• Worksheet 2 - Given large numbers in words, write them in figures.
• Worksheet 3 - Write out the place value of selected digits in large numbers.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

• Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre
  Free resources created by basic skills tutors. There are three online quizzes: Numbers in words, Population sort and Greater than or less than.

Visit the Skillswise Lesson plans section on Whole numbers (in the Tutor centre). You can find lesson ideas and printable lesson plans, some set at Entry Levels.

Don't forget to visit Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching on whole numbers.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising comparing numbers? Tell us about them!