Zearn Math Grade 2, Mission 3: Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000
In this unit, your child learns how numbers to 1,000 are built. They bundle ones into tens and tens into hundreds, count and skip-count across hundreds, read and write numbers in different forms, and compare numbers with >, =, and <. It builds on measuring and adding lengths and leads into adding and subtracting within 200.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 3?
- Bundling 10 ones into a ten and 10 tens into a hundred, so they see 130 as 13 tens or 1 hundred 3 tens. Learn more: Hundreds, tens, and ones in numbers like 706
- Counting forward and back by 1s, 10s, and 100s, and skip-counting by 5s across a hundred, like 495, 500, 505. Learn more about counting within 1,000: Counting within 1,000 · Learn more about skip-counting by 5s, 10s, and 100s
- Reading and writing numbers like 560 and 506 as numerals, in words, and in expanded form. Learn more: Reading and writing numbers to 1,000
- Comparing three-digit numbers place by place and writing the comparison with >, =, or <. Learn more: Comparing three-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
How many hundreds are in 300?
- 3
- 30
- 300
How you can help
- Bundle straws or craft sticks into tens with rubber bands. Ask your child how many tens make 130, and how many hundreds and tens that is.
- Count by 5s together as you walk, starting at 480. Slow down at 495 to see if your child says 500 next.
- Write 560 and 506 for your child. Ask them to read each one aloud, say which is greater, and explain how they know.
Where kids can get stuck
- Being puzzled that 13 tens and 130 are the same amount, because they are not sure 10 tens make a hundred.
- Writing 500 + 6 for 560, treating the 6 tens as 6 ones and mixing it up with 506.
- Mixing up the > and < symbols, so the statement says the opposite of what they meant.
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
- ones
- Single units. The 5 in 45 means 5 ones.
- tens
- Groups of ten. The 4 in 45 means 4 tens, or 40.
- hundreds
- Groups of 100. The 3 in 352 means 3 hundreds, or 300.
- bundle
- A group of 10 things held together to make one ten.
- expanded form
- A number written as the sum of its parts, like 352 = 300 + 50 + 2.
- number name
- A number written in words, like five hundred sixty.
- compare
- To decide which is greater, less, longer, or shorter.
- greater than
- Bigger than. The sign > means greater than, as in 301 > 298.
Want to help your child master counting and comparing to 1,000?
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 Zearn Math Grade 2 Mission 3 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 2 Mission 3 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.2: Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s.
- 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.
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.