Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2, Unit 2: Place Value & Measurement
In this unit, your child looks closely at place value, the idea that a digit's spot in a number tells its worth, by building numbers from tens and ones and then hundreds. They read, write, and compare those numbers, and they measure real objects with rulers and estimate lengths. Both skills lead into adding and subtracting within 100, which comes next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Building numbers with tens and ones, and seeing that 10 tens make 1 hundred, so the 4 in 43 means 4 tens. Learn more: Hundreds, tens, and ones in numbers like 706
- Reading and writing numbers as numerals, in words, and in expanded form, like 50 + 7 for 57. Learn more: Reading and writing numbers to 1,000
- Comparing two numbers by looking at the biggest place first and writing the result with >, =, or <. Learn more: Comparing three-digit numbers with >, =, and <
- Measuring everyday objects with a ruler or measuring tape, starting from the zero mark, and choosing the right tool. Learn more: Measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape
- Estimating a length in inches or centimeters before measuring, using a known length like a paper clip as a guide. Learn more: Estimating lengths in inches, feet, and meters
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
How many hundreds are in 300?
- 3
- 30
- 300
How you can help
- Hunt for two-digit numbers on a walk, such as house numbers or signs, and ask your child how many tens and how many ones each one has.
- Measure a spoon, a shoe, and a book with a ruler, starting at zero. Before each one, ask for a guess, then see how close it was.
- Play "Which is bigger?" with two price tags or page numbers. Have your child say which is greater and explain by comparing the tens first.
Where kids can get stuck
- Starting a measurement at the 1 on the ruler instead of the zero, so every length reads one too long.
- Writing expanded form as digits, like 5 + 7 for 57, instead of 50 + 7.
- Guessing wildly, like a 40-inch pencil, before having a feel for how long an inch is.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- place value
- The value a digit has because of its spot in a number: ones, tens, or hundreds.
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 through 9 that we use to write numbers.
- tens
- Groups of 10. In 47, the 4 means 4 tens, or 40.
- ones
- Single units. In 47, the 7 means 7 ones.
- expanded form
- A number written as the sum of its parts, like 400 + 30 + 6 for 436.
- greater than
- More than. The symbol > means greater than, as in 52 > 25.
- less than
- Fewer than. The symbol < means less than, as in 25 < 52.
- ruler
- A straight tool marked in inches or centimeters for measuring length.
- estimate
- A smart guess about an amount or a length, made before measuring or counting.
Want to help your child master place value and measuring?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 2 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 2 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 2.NBT.A.1: Understand that the three digits of a three-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones.
- 2.NBT.A.3: Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
- 2.NBT.A.4: Compare two three-digit numbers.
- 2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools.
- 2.MD.A.3: Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.