Into Math Grade 1, Unit 4: Place Value Concepts
In this unit, your child learns place value, the idea that a digit's value depends on its spot, so the 5 in 52 means 5 tens. They count and write numbers to 120 and compare two-digit numbers. After the equations unit, this sets up the next unit, where children add and subtract two-digit numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Counting to 120 from any number and writing each numeral, especially across a new ten or past 100. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Showing a two-digit number as tens and ones, like 14 as one ten and 4 ones, and 70 as 7 tens and 0 ones. Learn more: Tens and ones in two-digit numbers
- Comparing two numbers like 38 and 83 by looking at the tens digit first, and recording 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
- Group a pile of pasta pieces into cups of ten. Ask your child how many tens and how many ones, then write the number together.
- Count a long staircase or a row of fence posts on a walk, and keep going past 100 so your child hears 101, 102, 103.
- Write two numbers on a sticky note, like 61 and 16, and ask which is greater. Have your child explain using tens and ones.
Where kids can get stuck
- Seeing 14 as one number to count up to, rather than one ten and 4 more ones.
- Treating the zero in 60 as nothing, so writing 60 as 6.
- Writing 61 for sixteen, because the word sixteen starts with the sound of six.
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 where it sits, like the 5 in 52 meaning 50.
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers.
- tens
- Groups of ten. In 34, the 3 means 3 tens.
- ones
- Single units. In 34, the 4 means 4 ones.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 107.
- greater than (>)
- A symbol that means the first number is bigger, as in 52 > 25.
- less than (<)
- A symbol that means the first number is smaller, as in 19 < 31.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with place value to 120?
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 Into Math Grade 1 Unit 4 cover?
Into Math Grade 1 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.