Everyday Mathematics Grade 2, Unit 4: Place Value and Measurement
In this unit, your child learns what each digit means in a three-digit number and starts measuring length with real tools. They read and write numbers up to 1,000 in several ways and measure with rulers and tape measures. It builds on the fact strategies from earlier units and prepares kids for adding three-digit numbers and counting money next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Seeing that each digit has a place value, or a worth based on its spot, so the 3 in 352 means 3 hundreds. Learn more: Hundreds, tens, and ones in numbers like 706
- Reading and writing numbers to 1,000 as numerals, in words, and in expanded form, like 300 + 50 + 2. Learn more: Reading and writing numbers to 1,000
- Measuring length in inches and centimeters with a ruler, a yardstick, or a measuring tape, starting at the zero mark. Learn more: Measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape
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
- Read three-digit numbers you see on a walk or ride, like house numbers or signs. Ask what the middle digit is worth, such as the 4 in 247 being 40.
- Measure a few things in the kitchen with a ruler or a tape measure, like a spoon, a box, and a cutting board. Check together that each one starts at zero.
- Say a number like 'six hundred eight' and let your child write it. Then ask them to write it a second way, such as 600 + 8.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing numbers the way they sound, so four hundred thirty-six becomes 40036 instead of 436.
- Leaving out the zero, writing 76 for seven hundred six because nothing seems to be in the tens place.
- Starting a measurement at the end of the ruler or at the 1, instead of at the zero mark.
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
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers. 352 has three digits.
- place value
- What a digit is worth because of where it sits. In 352, the 5 means 50.
- hundreds
- Groups of 100. The 3 in 352 means 3 hundreds, or 300.
- expanded form
- A number written as the sum of its parts, like 352 = 300 + 50 + 2.
- numeral
- A number written with digits, like 352, instead of in words.
- inch
- A small unit of length, about as long as a small paper clip.
- centimeter
- A tiny unit of length, about as wide as a child's fingertip.
- ruler
- A straight tool marked in inches or centimeters for measuring length.
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 4 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.