Unit Plan 3 (Grade 4 Math): Compare & Round—Any Place
Compare multi-digit numbers and round to any place using place-value reasoning, number lines, benchmarks, and midpoints to make accurate, context-based math decisions.
Focus: Compare multi-digit numbers and round to any place using place-value reasoning and number lines.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Mathematics (Place Value—Comparison & Rounding)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week, students solidify comparison across large numbers and develop flexible rounding to any place. They justify comparisons by examining the leftmost different place and use number lines and benchmarks to explain why a rounded value makes sense in context.
Essential Questions
- How does the place of a digit determine which number is greater?
- What makes rounding to any place reasonable, and how do benchmarks and midpoints help?
- How does precise place-value language improve the clarity of our comparisons and rounding decisions?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Compare multi-digit numbers by analyzing the leftmost different place and justify with place-value language.
- Round numbers to any place (ones through millions) using number lines, benchmarks, and midpoints.
- Communicate comparisons using symbols >, <, = and complete sentences that cite place and value.
- Explain rounding decisions with clear models, labels, and reasonableness checks.
- Apply rounding in context (estimation for totals, distances, populations) and reflect on precision needs.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4 (spiral across the unit)
- 4.NBT.2: Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form; compare two multi-digit numbers using >, <, = based on meanings of the digits in each place.
- 4.NBT.3: Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place.
- Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can compare two numbers by finding the leftmost different place and using >, <, or = correctly.
- I can round to any place and explain why using a number line, benchmarks, and the midpoint.
- I can choose a rounding target that fits the context and check if the rounded answer is reasonable.