Writing and Ordering Large Numbers

Purpose

To read, write and order large numbers

Materials

paper and pencil

Overview

Have students work in pairs. One student secretly writes down a number between 1,000 and 10,000,000,000, and then dictates this number to the other student, who writes it down. Students then check to see if their two numbers match. Partners then switch roles. After everyone has had a turn, have some students write their numbers on board and ask the class to read these numbers aloud. If time allows, have students compare selected numbers and order them from least to greatest.

About the sequence

Part 1 asks students to write down any number between 1,000 and 10,000,000,000. Part 2 has students working in pairs to read, write and match large numbers between 1,000 and 10,000,000,000. The extension asks students to order large numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least.

Part 1

Write down a secret number between 1,000 and 10,000,000,000. Give one thumbs up when your number is written down and two thumbs up if you want to read your number out loud to the class and have them write it down. (A second volunteer can also write down the number on the board.)

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

In partners, let’s work with big numbers. Write down a number between 100,000 and 10,000,000,000. Read your number and your partner will write it down, then see if your numbers match. Repeat so each partner gets a turn.

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

Now let’s share some of the numbers you wrote down (from Parts 1 and 2) and I’ll write them on the board. Then let’s order the numbers from least to greatest (or greatest to least).