Comparing and Ordering Decimals – Task Cards

Ordering and Comparing Decimals Activity

Your students have probably practiced the concept of comparing and ordering numbers in each grade level. Students work on determining which amounts are larger in kindergarten and are then introduced to the inequality symbols that we commonly use with number comparisons. As students work their way through elementary school, they continue to use their comparison and ordering skills to work with larger numbers. As students enter 4th and 5th grade, they will begin to compare and order decimals. Teach Starter has a set of fun and engaging task cards you can use with your students during your place value unit.

To complete this activity, print and cut out the task cards. Students will take turns reading and solving each card by matching the card number to the square on their recording sheet.

Through this activity, students will compare and order decimals to thousandths place and represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this comparing decimals activity to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who need additional support, consider giving them a blank place value chart to list each number. Students can then look at each place to help them order and compare.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For a challenge, have students add in an additional decimal of their choice and order it correctly with the original decimals.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point.

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring.

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.

This resource was created by Madison Evans, a teacher in North Carolina and Teach Starter Collaborator.

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