2nd Grade · Number & Operations in Base Ten
2.NBT.A.3: Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form
2.NBT.A.3 is a 2nd grade Common Core math standard in Number & Operations in Base Ten. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
In plain words
Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
How is 700 + 40 + 3 written in standard form?
- 743
- 734
- 473
Where students can get stuck
- Writing numbers exactly as they sound, such as 40036 or 400306 for four hundred thirty-six, instead of 436.
- Writing expanded form with digits instead of values, such as 4 + 3 + 6 for 436.
- Leaving out a part when a zero is involved, writing 500 + 6 for 560, or 56 for five hundred six.
Effective teaching strategies
- Build a number with base-ten blocks and have students write it three ways, such as 436, four hundred thirty-six, and 400 + 30 + 6.
- Stack paper place-value cards for 300, 50, and 6 so the zeros are covered and 356 appears, then have students write 300 + 50 + 6.
- Say a number with a zero, such as five hundred six, and have students write it, then explain why the tens place needs a 0 to keep the 5 in the hundreds place.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 2.NBT.A.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Reading and writing numbers to 1,000 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice place value at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.