Codes: AC9M3N01. Target: order four five-digit numbers and justify the comparison. Set out: number cards 12 039, 12 309, 12 390, 13 002, rough number line 12 000–14 000.
- Start · 2 min. Ask: “Which is greater: 12 309 or 12 390? Say the place that decides.”
- Model · 5 min. Align place columns. Say: “The ten-thousands and thousands tie. The hundreds tie at three. Nine tens exceed zero tens, so 12 390 is greater.” Place the two roughly on the line without pretending the marks are exact scale.
- Guided order · 6 min. Compare 12 039 and 12 309. Let learners name zero hundreds versus three hundreds. Add 13 002; ask why it comes last even though it ends in 002.
- Independent pair order · 7 min. Pairs place all four least to greatest, then read their sequence and point to the deciding digit for each neighbour. Have them reorder shuffled cards without teacher demonstration. A ready pair can add 12 903 and defend its place.
- Reasonableness · 3 min. “Could 13 002 be nearer 12 000 than 12 039 is?” No: 13 002 is just over 13 000; ask learners to use the endpoints, not visual card length.
- Brief check · 2 min. Everyone selects the larger of 12 045 and 12 405 and names the hundreds place as deciding. Rebuild with place cards if the last two digits distract.
Access: desk or floor number line, text labels, paired auditory description, large cards. The explanation is the evidence, not only card position.