i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 3: Place Value and Comparing Numbers
In this unit, first graders count, read, and write numbers to 120 and learn place value: the 3 in 36 means 3 tens. They group objects into tens and ones and compare two-digit numbers with >, <, and =. After adding and subtracting within 20 in the last unit, this opens up bigger numbers, and next they add and subtract them.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Counting to 120 from any starting number and writing numbers like 115 without extra zeros. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Grouping objects into tens and ones and knowing that a teen number is a ten and some ones. Learn more: Tens and ones in two-digit numbers
- Comparing two-digit numbers by their tens and ones and writing it with >, <, or =. Learn more: Comparing two-digit numbers with >, =, and <
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
Count by tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, __. What number comes next?
- 51
- 50
- 60
How you can help
- Count a collection, like crayons or blocks, by making groups of ten first. Ask your child to say the total as tens and ones, then write it.
- Start counting from a surprising number, like 108, while waiting in line, and keep going to 120 together. Then try starting at 95 and listen for the jump past 100.
- Ask which is greater as you pass two house numbers on a walk, and have your child explain using tens.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing one hundred fifteen as 10015, putting 100 and 15 side by side.
- Saying "67, 68, 69, 60" at the end of a decade instead of moving on to 70.
- Deciding 28 is greater than 32 because 8 is bigger than 2.
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
- What a digit is worth because of its spot, like the 4 in 42 meaning 40.
- tens
- Groups of ten. In 34, there are 3 tens.
- ones
- Single things not in a group of ten. In 34, there are 4 ones.
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 25.
- greater than
- The symbol > means the first number is bigger, like 9 > 4.
- less than
- The symbol < means the first number is smaller, like 4 < 9.
- equal to
- The symbol = means two amounts are the same.
Want to help your child master place value?
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.
Join the club
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 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 3 cover?
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 3 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.