Numbers and place value
Grade 2 · Math
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Numbers on a number line to 20
Place numbers to 20 on a number line. Free Grade 2 math game that builds number sense.
Play Numbers on a number line to 20Hundreds, tens and ones
Quiz race on the value of each digit in a three-digit number. Free Grade 2 math game.
Play Hundreds, tens and ones10 or 100 more or less
Find 10 or 100 more or less than three-digit numbers, including across hundreds. Free Grade 2 math game.
Play 10 or 100 more or less
Learning about numbers and place value
In this Grade 2 math collection, you can practice Numbers on a number line to 20, Hundreds, tens and ones, 10 or 100 more or less. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.
Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Numbers on a number line to 20
In this game the line runs from 0 to 20 with every number marked by a tick, but only 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 are labeled. Children have to work out where a number such as 13 goes by counting on from a labeled point. This builds a feel for the size of numbers, which is the foundation for estimating, rounding and mental calculation later on.
Try an example: Put 7 on the number line.
7 is between 5 and 10. From 5, count two jumps right: 6, 7.
Show the answer
Two ticks to the right of 5
What to look out for
Counting the starting tick as 1. Place a finger on the start number and say '0' (or '10'), then count each jump.
Hundreds, tens and ones
In the game, children balance the scales by partitioning, such as 345 = 300 + ? + 5. The Quick quiz asks 'What is the value of the digit in this number?' with four choices. The wrong answers include the digit itself and the digit in the wrong place, which are the most common mistakes. All numbers use three different digits so each question has only one correct answer.
Try an example: What is the value of the 7 in 730?
The 7 is in the hundreds column.
Show the answer
700
What to look out for
Giving the digit instead of its value. Ask 'seven what?' Seven hundreds is 700.
10 or 100 more or less
In the game, children balance the scales, such as 456 + 100 = ? or 456 + ? = 556. In the Quick quiz most questions are straightforward, such as 100 more than 456 = 556. The interesting ones cross a boundary: 10 more than 395 is 405, because the tens digit goes from 9 to 0 and the hundreds go up by one. The game deliberately includes many of these, and the wrong answers include the most common slips, such as changing the wrong digit.
Try an example: What is 100 less than 718?
The hundreds digit 7 becomes 6.
Show the answer
618
What to look out for
Changing the hundreds when asked for 10 more. Say the question aloud and point to the tens digit before answering.
Practice away from the screen
- Make a number line with chalk on the sidewalk or masking tape on the floor, and jump to numbers you call out.
- Make three-digit amounts with dollar bills, dimes and pennies: $3.65 is 3 dollars, 6 dimes and 5 pennies.
- Use money: how much is 10¢ more than $3.95?
Curriculum connections
Numbers on a number line to 20
Supports part of Common Core 2.MD.B.6. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 2.MD.B.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Hundreds, tens and ones
Supports part of Common Core 2.NBT.A.1. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 2.NBT.A.1. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
10 or 100 more or less
Supports part of Common Core 2.NBT.B.8. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 2.NBT.B.8. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with numbers and place value?
Start with Numbers on a number line to 20. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.