top of page

Lesson Plan Template

  • Grade

  • Subject

  • Section

Third

Math

​

  • Competency

Place value

  • Aligned Standards

Number and Operations in Base Ten

  • Strand

3.NBT.A.1

  • Vocabulary

Standard form: A way of writing numbers using the digits 0-9.

Expanded form: A way of writing numbers to show the value of each digit (e.g., 385 = 300 + 80 + 5).

Place value: The value of where the digit is in the number (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands).

​

Convert To and From a Number

Prerequisite Skill

Determine a Digit Value (up to Ten Thousands place)

Materials and Preparation

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Place-value charts (one per student)
  • TeachTastic Worksheet Pack for Number Conversion
  • Visual aids (e.g., large place-value charts for demonstration)
  • Number cards (0-9)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to convert numbers from standard form to expanded form.
  • Students will be able to convert numbers from expanded form to standard form.
  • Students will understand how each digit's place value contributes to the overall number.

Introduction

Begin by discussing how numbers can be represented in different forms. Use an example number, such as 385, and show it in both standard form and expanded form. Explain that understanding both forms helps us see the value of each digit in a number.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

Explain the process of converting a number from standard form to expanded form. Demonstrate with the number 385:

  • Write 385 on the board.
  • Break down each digit: 300 (hundreds), 80 (tens), 5 (ones).
  • Show how to write it as 385 = 300 + 80 + 5.

Next, demonstrate converting from expanded form to standard form using the same example:

  • Start with the expanded form: 300 + 80 + 5.
  • Combine the values to get 385.

Guided Practice

Distribute place-value charts and the TeachTastic Worksheet Pack for Number Conversion. Work through a few problems together as a class. For example, ask students to convert 527 to expanded form and then back to standard form. Guide them through each step, ensuring they understand the process.

Independent Practice

Have students complete additional problems from the TeachTastic Worksheet Pack independently. These should include converting numbers both from standard to expanded form and from expanded to standard form.

Differentiation

Support

  • Provide one-on-one assistance to students who struggle with converting numbers.
  • Use manipulatives, such as base-ten blocks, to visually represent place values for students who need extra help.
  • Create small group sessions for targeted practice and review.

Extension

  • Challenge advanced students to work with larger numbers, including those in the ten thousands and hundred thousands.
  • Provide problems that require students to convert numbers with decimals to and from expanded form.
  • Encourage students to create their own numbers and practice converting them.

Assessment

Evaluate students' understanding through their performance on the worksheets and exit tickets. Review their answers to ensure they can accurately convert numbers between standard and expanded form.

Review and closing

Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding both standard and expanded forms of numbers. Address any common misconceptions and answer any remaining questions. Allow students to share their observations and what they learned during the lesson.

Misconceptions

  • Confusing the value of digits in different place value positions.
  • Forgetting to include zeros in expanded form (e.g., writing 506 as 500 + 6 instead of 500 + 0 + 6).
  • Incorrectly combining values when converting from expanded form to standard form.
bottom of page