The CCSS for Mathematics requires 2nd-grade students to compare 3-digit numbers. Pay close attention to the wording:
2.NBT.4–Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Notice how the comparisons are based on an understanding of place value.
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Keep in mind what a foundational year 2nd grade is for place value. The ones, tens, hundreds structure and the relationship between digits in each place sets the stage for all work that students will do with larger numbers and decimals. No pressure. 🙂
So how do we build that deep understanding? First and foremost–LOTS of concrete learning. Move from showing tens and ones using groupable objects (like linking cubes) to building numbers with base-10 blocks. And then never put the base-10 blocks away! All…year…long.
After students have had plenty of concrete practice, introduce a way for them to represent (draw a picture of) their numbers. The anchor chart below shows an easy way to represent hundreds, tens, and ones.
When students move from building numbers to comparing numbers, go back to the base-10 blocks. Have students play games where they build, represent, and compare numbers. Here’s a place value mat partners can use to build and compare numbers. Note that it prints on 11 x 17 paper. You can scale it down to print on smaller paper, but then the base-10 blocks won’t fit.
Love, love, love your blog and this post, but I have an issue with the last picture. We use the vocabulary Least to greatest. Biggest and smallest may be the way they think of it, but we need to start moving them towards academic vocabulary.
Just my two cents.
Yes, absolutely! This was the first day ordering was introduced, so I imagine this teacher was probably using familiar words as a way to introduce the more formal vocabulary. In fact, I’d be surprised if there wasn’t an anchor chart showing different ways to say ‘least’ to ‘greatest’ in the near future! 🙂
I so enjoy reading your blog!!! Thanks for the visuals and printables as well.
It’s my pleasure! I’m glad you find my blog useful. 🙂
Donna,
I’d love for you to make me bee themed number cards for for your workstation activity cards. Would you please email me at [email protected] and let me know if this would be possible? Thanks! Erika
Here’s a quick video on place value from you tube. It is something that I had my students listen to after coming in from recess or while cleaning up. It is a fun compliment to place value instruction and a good review.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W47G-h7myY&list=PLA7DAF7A1F1E0362F&index=7&feature=plpp_video
Love the anchor charts, thank you!
-GAYLA
Teach On.
My pleasure, Gayla! 🙂
Would you also include on the chart that 105 is also 10 tens and five ones? Just curious if that is something you would also show student and To get them to recognize that as well.
Yes. It’s super important that students understand that numbers can be decomposed into hundreds, tens, and ones in many different ways.
Thank you, this a great resource (Y)