place value problem solving games

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Get our FREE Field Trip Reflection printable 🦁!

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

30 Smart Place Value Activities and Games for Elementary Math Students

Place value pool noodles? Genius!

Place value is one of those basic concepts that help kids build a wide variety of math skills. There are lots of fun place value activities and games you can use to help them understand, whether you’re working with basic tens and ones or have advanced to decimals with tenths and hundredths. Here’s a terrific collection of ideas to add to your upcoming lesson plans!

1. Start with an anchor chart

Help students understand and remember four ways to represent numbers and place value with an anchor chart. Turning the chart into a robot ups the fun factor!

2. Read a book about place value

We’re not talking about the paragraph in their math workbook that explains the concept. We mean one of these engaging and entertaining place value books that capture kids’ imagination while helping them understand how place value works and why it matters. There are plenty of options out there—here are a few of our favorites.

• Zero the Hero , by Joan Holub and Tom Lichtenheld
• Sir Cumference and All the King’s Tens , by Cindy Neuschwander
• Place Value , by David A. Adler

3. Turn paint samples into place value sliders

Use the cutouts in paint sample chips as little “windows” for numbers. This is a fun and colorful way to introduce place value to your students.

4. Show it four ways

Ask students to demonstrate their understanding of place value by showing one number in a variety of ways. Get a free printable worksheet for this activity at the link.

5. Transform a pillbox into a place value manipulative

Stop by the dollar store for some weekly pillbox containers, then use our free printable labels to turn them into dice shakers you can use for all kinds of place value activities.

6. Stack place value Cheerio towers

Looking for more inexpensive math class ideas? Grab a box of uncooked spaghetti and some Cheerios to use for your place value activities.

7. Visualize place value with a foldable

Use sentence strips and dry-erase tape to create a reusable math manipulative that reinforces place value concepts and expanded form.

8. Slide cards into binder pages

Use divided binder pages along with number and base-10 cards to show place value. Call out each digit and its place (“There’s a 3 in the thousands place”) and see if your students can make the correct number.

9. Construct a tower of base-10 blocks

Base-10 blocks are a popular math manipulative , and they’re perfect for teaching place value. This activity challenges kids to use the blocks to find three different ways to build a structure representing 1,000. New to base-10 blocks? Here’s a good starter set from Amazon to try.

10. Figure out the place value of your name

Here’s another clever use for base-10 blocks. First, have each student use them to spell out their name. Then, count up the numbers of tens and ones blocks to determine your name’s place value!

11. Stack paper cups

While you’re at the dollar store, pick up some stackable paper cups. Number them 1 to 9 along the edge, and then use them to talk about place value as you stack them to create different numbers.

12. Build place value bugs

How cute is this little number bug? Use large pom-poms for tens and smaller ones for ones, then set them on a wood craft stick to create a number.

13. Shoot for the target with LEGO bricks

LEGO bricks really are ideal for place value activities. Toss the bricks onto a homemade target with rings to represents ones, tens, and so on. Count the studs of each brick that lands on a place value ring, then add them up to get your final number. See more LEGO math ideas here.

14. Build understanding with LEGO bricks

You know your students love to build with LEGO, so use them to reinforce place value concepts too. Hands-on place value activities are always the most fun!

15. Act out multiplying and dividing

Active math games are one of the best ways we know to get kids involved in their learning. Find out how to act out multiplying or dividing by powers of 10 at Teacher Thrive .

16. Play a game of Place Value War

Play this game with Uno cards or a classic deck with face cards removed. Each player has a number of piles (depending on which place values you’re working on) and lays down the top card from each. The players say the resulting numbers out loud (e.g. “five hundred thirty”), and the player with the highest number wins. For a fun variation, allow players to use the cards they flip to create the highest possible number.

17. Build a number

Kids select some number cards, then try to meet a series of challenges like making the largest number they can. Add in a decimal card to up the complexity of the game.

18. Keep track of school days in a pocket chart

Each day, count how many days students have been in school this year by adding counters like 10-frames to a pocket chart. The number climbs as the year goes on, building from ones to tens to hundreds.

19. Send them on a scavenger hunt

Grab a stack of old magazines and newspapers and let kids loose to find examples of the place value challenges set in this scavenger hunt. Go to Primary Theme Park to get the free printable.

20. Shake things up with Yahtzee

Roll out the dice and try to beat your opponent as you fulfill the conditions of this special game of Yahtzee. Print the free game boards and get the rules at the link below. Find more creative ways to use dice in your classroom here.

21. Enjoy a game of Whack It!

What kid doesn’t love to whack things with a fly swatter? Put that energy to good use by having them slap the swatter down on the correct values as you call them out.

22. Take a journey on the Place Value Path

This free printable game combines a traditional board game with bingo. Roll the dice to see which outer square you land on. Count up the number represented by the base-10 symbols, and mark it on your bingo board. When you get five in a row, you win!

23. Toss beanbags into place value bins

Combine hand-eye coordination practice with math skills in this place value game. Label bins for tens, hundreds, etc., and choose a number. Kids toss numbered bean bags into the correct bins to win!

24. Snack and learn with rainbow math

Use Froot Loops cereal pieces and pipe cleaners to learn tens and ones with this free printable activity. Don’t want to use cereal? Try beads instead.

25. Use nuts and bolts to learn place value

Looking for inexpensive ways to represent base 10? Try nuts and bolts! You can pick them up in bulk at the hardware store, and it’s easy to replace them if they get lost.

26. Make giant DIY ones and tens blocks

Cut squares of bright-colored card stock for ones, and tape together a series of them to create the tens. Then add smiley faces to the top just for fun, and have kids hold up the giant blocks to represent various numbers.

27. Cut a pool noodle into tens and ones

The nice thing about these DIY manipulatives is that they’re easy for little hands to handle. Cut pool noodles to represent tens and ones to give kids practice building numbers.

28. Solve a place value puzzle

Place value activities are still important for older kids. This advanced activity asks them to solve math word problems and write the solutions into the correct place on the grid. Get the free printable at Education.com .

29. Complete a place value maze

This advanced place value activity gives students practice adding hundreds, thousands, and higher. They find the next correct answer in the maze as they go along. Visit Math Geek Mama for these free printable mazes.

30. Walk along giant number lines

We love place value activities that also get kids up and moving! For this one, use masking tape to create number lines for ones, tens, hundreds, etc., on the floor. Choose a number and use paper plates to mark the correct places on the number lines, or have kids stand on the correct mark instead.

Looking for even more math fun? Try these fun and free fraction games!

Plus,  sign up for our newsletters  to get all the latest teaching tips and ideas, straight to your inbox..

You Might Also Like

40 Subtraction Activities That Are Nothing Less Than Awesome

Your students will love these hands-on ideas. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Place Value Games

Mastery of place value is a important foundational step in children's mathematical development. It provides the building blocks for understanding our number system and is essential for more advanced math concepts. Place value teaches kids that a digit's value depends on its position within a number, influencing operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Proficiency in place value improves numeracy skills and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By practicing place value with Mindly's awesome math games for kids , children reinforce their understanding and have fun while learning!

10s Place Games

Taterz Quiz-O-Rama | Composing Teen Numbers Game

Practice composing teen numbers with Taterz and her collect eggs as a prize!

Taterz Quiz-O-Rama | Adding Tens and Ones Game

Join Taterz in a fun math adventure! With Taterz Quiz-O-Rama: Adding Tens and Ones, kids learn addition in an engaging and straightforward way.

Space Race | Three-Digit Addition - Adding 10 Game

Help your child master three-digit addition and number sense as they practice adding 10 more.

Dino Soar | Three-Digit Addition and Adding 10 Game

Practice adding 10 more to three-digit numbers to help your dinosaur fly through the air and win the race!

100s Place Games

Ice Cream Bonanza | Rounding to the Nearest 100 Game

Catch as many ice creams as you can while rounding numbers to the nearest 100! Boost your child's confidence and math skills with Mindly's exciting ice cream bonanza game.

Space Race | Rounding to the Nearest 100 Game

Practice rounding numbers to the nearest 100 in Space Race! Blast off with your rocket and round numbers to zoom past the competition!

Fast Food | Rounding to the Nearest 100 Game

Master rounding numbers to the nearest 100 with Fast Food! Help your foodie friends race to the finish by rounding to the nearest hundred!

Dino Soar | Adding 10 and 100 Game

Practice adding 10 or 100 to three-digit numbers to help your dinosaur win the flying race!

Rounding Numbers Games

Miss Math's Time Machine | Rounding to the Nearest 10 Game

Dive into a game all about rounding to the nearest 10! Practice this important number sense skill and help Miss Math on her time-traveling missions.

Comparing Numbers

Fast Food | Comparing Numbers Game

Race your food character to the finish line by correctly comparing numbers from 1 to 10!

Fast Food | Greater Than, Less Than 1 to 100 Game

Win the race to the stomach as you practice and master comparing numbers 1 to 100! Choose if each number is greater than, less than, or equal to the other! Play now!

Boofus Quiz | Comparing Three-Digit Numbers Game

Help Boofus ace his quiz as you practice and master comparing three-digit numbers! Choose if each number is greater than, less than, or equal to the other! Play now!

Dino Eggs | Comparing Numbers Game

Join baby dinosaurs in Dino Eggs as they compare numbers from 1 to 10 to help their friends hatch from eggs!

Advertisement

• Tournaments

Place Value

This MrNussbaum place value section contains games, workshops, simulations, drills, printables and much more related to place value. It includes the ever popular Place Value Pirates game and an interactive Place Value Workshop.

Powerful online learning at your pace

Place Value Games

I know that it’s summer, and you might not be thinking about the beginning of  next school year. But place value is typically one of the first units for many grade levels, so maybe you bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready! Read on for some low-prep and engaging place value games for a variety of grade levels! Be sure to look for the links through the post to download your freebies!

This post contains a ffiliate links, which simply means that when you use my link and purchase a product, I receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I only link to books and products that I personally use and recommend.

Build the Biggest

This is a classic place value game that can be adapted for many different grade levels! It’s super low-prep and requires only some dice, either standard or ten-sided , and a recording sheet. Best of all, your students will love it, so it provides for very engaging practice for an important skill. Let’s look at the 2-digit version to see how the game is played.

Each player needs a recording sheet, and players share one die. Players take turns rolling the die, but both players use the number rolled. Player 1 rolls the die and gets a 5. Players use privacy to conceal from their opponent where they are placing the digit. Once a digit is placed, it can’t be changed. Player 1 chose to place the digit in the tens place, while Player 2 chose the ones place. Next Player 2 rolled a 4. Player 1 placed the 4 in the ones place, while Player 2 discarded the 4. Finally, Player 1 rolled a 6. Since Player 1 had already placed digits in the tens and ones places, they had to discard the 6, while Player 2 placed the 6 in the tens place.

Both players reveal their numbers and read their numbers out loud. The player who believes they have the greater number explains why. Remember, we want children using place value to compare numbers. So it might sound something like this: My number, 65, is greater than 54 because we compare the greatest place value position first. I have 6 tens and you only have 5 tens. The ones don’t really matter.  Please make it an expectation that students explain why their number is greater! We simply must have students explaining their reasoning at all times.

Since Player 2 has the greater number they score one point. There is, of course, the possibility of a tie. In that case, both players each score 1 point for the round.

This link will take you to a folder with versions for 2-digit numbers, 3- and 4-digit numbers, 6- and 9-digit numbers, and even a version for decimals.

Triple Digit Dare

This place value game, which requires only a deck of playing cards , is a version of the classic card game, War. There are three versions—basic, advanced, and an adaptation for decimals.

Basic Version

Use a standard deck of playing cards with the 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings removed. Aces count as 1. Note: I recently played with Queens as zeros, and you can keep the Jokers in as Wild cards that can be used for any digit.

• Deal each player 3 cards.
• Players use the cards to create the greatest 3-digit number possible.
• Players show their cards, and the player with the greatest 3-digit number takes all the cards.
• Play continues with 3 more cards for each player.
• You could easily vary this game to use 2-digit, 4-digit, or even larger numbers.

Advanced Version

Once the students master the basic version, you can introduce a new version of the game, this one with an added twist of strategy.

• Same standard deck of cards with the same cards removed.
• Each player still gets 3 cards.
• Remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of the table.
• Stick—keep their 3 cards
• Swap—remove one card from their hand and take a new card from the pile in the middle of the table
• Steal—trade a card from their hand for a card from any other player’s hand (without looking at what card they are picking)
• After all players have had a turn to adjust their cards, players show their cards and the greatest 3-digit number wins.

Decimal Adaptation

The decimal version is played by the same rules (either Basic or Advanced), but the players use a mat to organize their numbers. They can place the cards face down on the mat until it’s time to reveal their number. There are two mats—one with ones, tenths, and hundredths (shown here) and the other with tens, ones, and tenths.

Grab the place value mat for the decimal version here .

The last game I have for you today combines place value with ordering numbers. Again, I’ll use the 2-digit numbers example.

Each player needs a score sheet. A pair of dice, either standard or ten-sided, is need for each pair of students. I always like students playing games in pairs when possible, rather than groups of 3 or 4, because the game moves more quickly and students are doing more math when they don’t have to wait for two or three other players to take a turn.

Player 1 rolls the dice. In the example shown below, a 2 and an 8 are rolled. Now comes the strategy! The player can choose to either use the digits as 28 or 82. Next, they must place their number in one of the squares on the number line. Once placed, it can’t be moved. The five numbers must be in order from least to greatest, so it’s important to think carefully about where to place each number. As with all strategy games, let students figure out the strategy on their own! That’s how you bring problem-solving into the activity.

Since 82 is a pretty large number, Player 1 decides to put the 82 in the last square. Good strategy? Maybe, maybe not. If Player 1 rolls two 8s, for example, on a later roll, the only 2-digit number they can make is 88, and 88 is greater than 82. Since they can’t place their number, they lose their turn.

Play continues with players alternating turns. The recording sheet has space for 5 rounds of the game.

Because this game can be adapted for any magnitude of numbers (e.g., 3-digit) and even decimals or fractions, I’ve included a couple of additional game boards with more generic titles and more space to allow players to write larger numbers. Download your Line it Up recording sheets here .

Similar Posts

Strategy Math Games with a Blank Hundred Chart

Fact: Kids love playing strategy math games, and when you introduce a twist of strategy, you add a problem-solving element to the activity.  As kids play a game multiple times,…

Part/Whole Relationships

It seems that lately we hear more and more about the importance of number bonds, part-whole relationships, and composing and decomposing numbers. As I spend more time in primary classrooms,…

Concrete Support for Learning Ten More/Ten Less

This week, I’ve been working on ten more and ten less with my firsties. The purpose of ten more/ten less and one more/one less activities is really to develop an…

Multiple Strategies for Comparing Fractions

You might say this blog post is the third in a series on fractions and number sense. It’s not surprising that the majority of our upper elementary kiddos lack number…

Modeling Mathematical Thinking

Problem-solving has been defined as knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do. I love that definition, although I don’t know who to credit it to. Last…

PreK Math: What Does Early Numeracy Look Like?

People have some pretty strong feelings about what PreK math and even Kindergarten math should look like. How do we help young children develop important mathematical understandings while still incorporating…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 Place Value Activities for Deep Understanding

Place Value Lesson #1

Place Value Lesson #2

 When asking students to solve problems like this, encourage them to show their thinking by adding other “benchmark” numbers rather than simply guessing.  Better yet, have them share their thinking so others can learn from different strategies.  This is a great time to identify and clear up place value misconceptions.  Also, this is SO much more powerful than simply filling in the blank on a number line in a workbook!

• Start with numbers lines that do not begin at zero…
• Ask students to identify points outside two numbers on a number line…
• Try having students write their own problems for others to solve…
• Ask students to write about their thinking, not just talk about it…

Place Value Lesson #3

• The number must be a five digit number.
• The first digit must be a 1
• The second digit must be an 8.
• The ones place must be a 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9–until they realize that the tens place number is double the ones place (ruling out the 5, 7, and 9)

Place Value Lesson #4

Place value lesson #5.

Want to check out a few more place value posts?

[one-fourth-first]

[/one-fourth-first] [one-fourth]

[/one-fourth] [one-fourth]

Rather pin this for later?

SHARE THIS POST:

Teaching Test Prep Strategies

Teaching Historical Fiction

Great books for back to school!

Quick Links

• The Teacher Studio 2024
• Site Design By Laine Sutherland Designs

subscribe for updates and freebies

Live Laugh Love to Learn

inspire students to love learning

Mastering Place Value: 12 Tips and Strategies for Math Teachers

October 1, 2023 by Debbie Rudtke

Teaching place value to upper elementary students is a crucial milestone in their math education. It lays the foundation for understanding larger numbers, decimals, and more advanced mathematical concepts. To help you make place value engaging and effective for your students, I am sharing some of my favorite tips and strategies. From hands-on activities to real-world applications, these ideas are designed to help your students master place value.

Table of Contents

Place value visual aids.

Visual aids are your allies when teaching place value. They provide students with a tangible representation of abstract concepts, making it easier for them to grasp the fundamentals. Consider using place value charts, base-ten blocks, number lines, and anchor charts to illustrate the relationship between digits and their positional value. You may also choose to create an interactive place value display to show and discuss numbers.

Hands-On Activities

Engagement is key to effective learning. Encourage active participation with hands-on place value activities such as building numbers with base-ten blocks, using an interactive place value bulletin board, matching and sorting task cards, or playing interactive place value games. These activities make learning fun and memorable. Hands-on activities are a great choice for engaging students in math stations rotations while you are working with small groups.

Explore Expanded Form

Introduce students to expanded form, a powerful concept that allows them to break down larger numbers into their constituent parts. For example, 4,732 can be expressed as 4,000 + 700 + 30 + 2. This reinforces their understanding of place value.

Connect with Word Form

Strengthen the connection between place value and word form. Practice reading and writing numbers in word form, such as saying “four thousand seven hundred thirty-two” for 4,732. This helps students relate place value to everyday language.

Comparison Activities

Use comparison activities to illustrate the importance of digits in different place values when comparing numbers. Incorporate symbols like “<,” “>,=” to teach students how to compare numbers effectively.

Real-World Examples

Demonstrate the real-world relevance of place value. Show students how place value plays a crucial role in everyday scenarios, such as reading large numbers on price tags, measuring quantities, or discussing population figures.

Daily Practice

Incorporate daily place value exercises or problem-solving activities into your lesson plans. Consistent practice reinforces place value concepts and helps students retain what they’ve learned. Consider having a “number of the day” activity. Post a number in word form, standard, form, or expanded notation and have students write the number write or show the number in other ways.

Engage With Math Games

Infuse fun and competition into your lessons with math games like “Place Value Bingo,” “Place Value War,” or interactive digital and online games that make learning an enjoyable experience.

Real-World Problem-Solving

Challenge your students with real-world problems that require them to apply their place value knowledge. For instance, calculating change in a store or measuring ingredients in a recipe can provide practical contexts for learning.

Reinforce Vocabulary

Ensure students are familiar with key place value vocabulary, including terms like “digit,” “place,” “value,” “expanded form,” “word form,” “standard form,” and “compare.” Incorporate math vocabulary whenever you are talking to students about numbers such as dates, time, page numbers, money, etc. and encourage your students to do the same!

Teaching place value to upper elementary students can be an exciting journey of discovery. By implementing these tips and strategies in your classroom, you’ll empower your students to master place value, setting them on a path to mathematical success. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll make learning this fundamental math concept fun and memorable for your students.

Looking for more math tips?

10 Activities to Teach Angles

4 Steps to Integrate Math and Reading

Pumpkin Investigation – 9 Hands-On Math and Science Activities

Latest on Pinterest

Latest on Instagram

Latest on Facebook

2 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

2 months ago

3 months ago

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

How to Teach Number Formation in 5 Easy Steps

13 Best Resources for Math Videos for Kids: Math Made Fun

How to Teach Skip Counting to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

10 Best Math Intervention Strategies for Struggling Students

How to Teach Division to Kids in 11 Easy Steps

How to Cope With Test Anxiety in 12 Easy Ways

Developmental Milestones for 4 Year Olds: The Ultimate Guide

Simple & Stress-Free After School Schedule for Kids of All Ages

When Do Kids Start Preschool: Age & Readiness Skills

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: A Guide for Parents

How to Teach Letter Formtaion to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

15 Best Literacy Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

12 Best Poems About Teachers Who Change Lives

6 Effective Ways to Improve Writing Skills

40 Four Letter Words That Start With A

13 Best Online Teaching Tips for Teachers

How to Teach Kids to Write in 9 Easy Steps

13 Challenges for Teachers and How to Address Them

12 Best Qualities of a Good Teacher

15 Best Innovative Tech Tools for Teachers

How to Teach Place Value in 9 Easy Steps

1. Know When to Start

2. introduce skip counting, 3. understanding numbers vs. digits, 4. visualizing place value, 5. expanding place value understanding, 6. place value in different number systems, 7. operations using place value, 8. advanced place value concepts, 9. application and problem solving.

Have you ever faced the challenge of explaining why the number 10 is not just a “1” next to a “0”, or why in the number 150, the “5” stands for 50 and not just 5? Understanding how to teach place value is crucial for educators and parents alike, as it forms the foundation for all higher-level math skills, from addition and subtraction to multiplication , division , and beyond. This concept is key to comprehending the size of numbers, how to decompose them, and how they relate to each other.

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

In this blog, we’re diving into strategies and insights on simplifying this complex concept. Our focus will be on strategies and tips for teaching children, particularly those in the early elementary grades, ranging from kindergarten through third grade.

What is Place Value?

Place value is a way of showing the value of digits in a number based on their position. In the decimal number system , which is what we use every day, the position of a digit tells us how much that digit is worth.

• Position in a Number: Each spot in a number has a different value. For example, in the number 345: The “5” is in the ones place, so it’s just worth 5. The “4” is in the tens place, so it’s worth 40 (4 tens). The “3” is in the hundreds place, so it’s worth 300 (3 hundred).
• Value of Digits: The value of a digit increases by ten times as we move each place to the left. So, a digit in the tens place is ten times more than the same digit in the ones place.
• Importance of Zero: Zero plays a special role in place value. It acts like a placeholder. For example, in the number 105, the zero shows no tens, helping us distinguish between one hundred-five and fifteen.

5 Importance of Place Value

For several reasons, understanding place value is essential, making it a key concept in mathematics education. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Builds Number Sense: Place value helps students grasp the size and value of numbers. It’s a strong number sense foundation, enabling learners to understand how numbers relate.
• Supports Math Operations: Whether adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing, place value is at the heart of these operations . It allows students to break down numbers and solve problems more easily.
• Facilitates Mental Math: With a solid grasp of place value, students can perform calculations in their heads more efficiently. This skill is crucial for quick problem-solving and estimation .
• Prepares for Higher Math: Understanding place value lays the groundwork for learning more complex mathematical concepts, including decimals , fractions , and algebra .
• Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: A deep understanding of place value enhances students’ ability to think critically and solve various mathematical problems.

How to Teach Place Value in Nine Easy Steps

Deciding the right time to introduce place value is crucial in learning place value. Typically, this is after students have mastered counting by ones and have a basic grasp of simple addition and subtraction. This milestone is often reached around first or second grade . At this stage, children are ready to understand that numbers are made up of different parts, each with its value . 

To make explaining place value simpler, begin with skip counting . This means teaching children to count by numbers other than one, like twos, fives, and tens. Skip counting helps kids move beyond counting one by one, preparing them to understand larger numbers more easily. 

Focusing on counting by tens is especially important because our number system is based on the number ten. This way, children see numbers in groups or sets, a key step in grasping place value. By practicing skip counting, students learn to view numbers in a more structured way, seeing the patterns and how numbers fit together, which is essential for learning place value.

Games can be a great way to introduce skip counting to kids. Start with these skip counting games :

A key step in how to teach place value involves clarifying the difference between numbers and digits . Digits are the building blocks of our number system, consisting of the ten symbols from 0 to 9. When we talk about digits, we’re referring to these individual symbols. However, when digits come together, they form numbers based on their arrangement. 

For instance, the digit “1” on its own represents the number one, and “7” represents the number seven. But when we combine them to “17,” they collectively represent 17. This distinction is crucial for the place value concept because it shows how the position of each digit affects the overall value of the number. Demonstrating this with various examples, like how “3” and “5” together make thirty-five, helps students grasp that numbers are composed of digits whose value changes based on their position.

• Place Value Charts: One effective method for teaching place value is to use place value charts. These charts help students see the position of each digit in a number and understand its value. For example, in the number 2,453, the chart helps illustrate that the “2” is in the thousands place, the “4” in the hundreds place, and so on.
• Base-10 Blocks: Another hands-on approach is using base-10 blocks or similar manipulatives. These blocks represent units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, allowing students to build and manipulate numbers physically. By using these blocks, students can visually and tangibly grasp how numbers are composed of different place values, enhancing their understanding of ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
• Hundreds and Beyond: As students become comfortable with the basics of place value, it’s important to introduce them to larger numbers. Using the same tools and techniques, such as place value charts and base-10 blocks, you can help students visualize and understand numbers in the hundreds, thousands, and beyond. 
• Comparing and Ordering Numbers: Teaching students to compare and order numbers based on place value is crucial in reinforcing the concept of magnitude. By understanding that the value of a digit changes depending on its position, students can learn to determine which of two numbers is larger or smaller. Activities that involve sorting numbers or placing them in ascending or descending order can be very effective in solidifying this understanding. 

Here are some fun compare-and-order number games to get started:

• Exploring Other Bases: A fascinating strategy to teach place value is by exploring number systems with bases other than 10, such as base-5 or base-8. This approach enriches students’ understanding of place value in our familiar decimal ( base-10 ) system and broadens their mathematical perspective. Discussing how numbers are represented in these different systems can deepen students’ comprehension of place value, showing them that the concept is universal, not just limited to the base-10 system.
• Applying to Real-Life Situations: To reinforce how to teach place value, use real-life examples that students encounter daily. Money is a great tool for this, where dollars and cents can represent whole numbers and parts of a hundred. Measurements, like meters and centimeters , also offer practical applications of place value, making the concept more relatable and easier to grasp.
• Adding and Subtracting with Regrouping: One of the core strategies to teach place value involves demonstrating how it’s used in addition and subtraction, especially with regrouping . Show students how breaking down numbers into their place values can simplify these operations. For example, when adding numbers that result in a sum exceeding ten, explain how and why we carry over to the next place value, reinforcing the concept of tens and ones.

Regrouping can be a challenging topic for kids to grasp, start playing these games to understand how place value works for subtraction and addition:

• Multiplication and Division Concepts: Introduce multiplication and division by highlighting the role of place value. Explain how multiplying a number by 10 shifts its digits one place to the left, making it ten times larger, and how division by 10 does the opposite. 

Play these math games to introduce multiplication and division by highlighting the role of place value:

• Rounding and Estimation: Teach students to round numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, and so on using their knowledge of place value. This skill is essential for estimating answers quickly and efficiently, helping them to make educated guesses in everyday situations.

Here are some fun rounding and estimation games that you can get started with:

• Decimal Numbers: Expand students’ understanding of place value to include decimals. Explain how decimals use place value to represent parts of a whole, with tenths, hundredths, and thousandths, making the concept of fractions more tangible and understandable.

Start with these decimal place value games that will help you in understanding of place value to include decimals:

• Word Problems: Use word problems to apply place value knowledge in various contexts. This approach helps students see the practical use of what they’ve learned, making math more relevant.
• Critical Thinking: Challenge students with puzzles and complex problems that require them to use their place value understanding. These activities encourage deeper thinking and problem-solving skills, reinforcing their mathematical knowledge.

5 Hands-On Ways to Teach Place to Kids

1. online place value games.

Enhance the learning experience with interactive place value online games . These digital activities are designed to make teaching and understanding place value enjoyable and accessible. Students can practice and reinforce their place value skills through these games while having fun.

2. Place Value Worksheets (Printable Worksheets)

Utilize printable worksheets designed for different skill levels. These worksheets include exercises for identifying place values, composing and decomposing numbers, and comparing numbers based on place value.

Use these printable place value worksheets in your class for free:

3. Base-10 Block Building

Base-10 block building is a hands-on way that uses physical manipulatives to help students understand the concept.

Materials Required: You’ll need base-10 blocks, which typically include units (ones), rods (tens), flats (hundreds), and cubes (thousands).

How to Do It:

• Start with a number, such as 427.
• Using the base-10 blocks, represent the number by stacking the appropriate units, rods, flats, and cubes. For 427, it would be 4 flats, 2 rods, and 7 units.
• Have students practice creating different numbers and explaining the value of each digit based on its position.

4. Place Value Bingo

Place Value Bingo is a fun game to reinforce place value understanding through play.

Materials Required: Bingo cards with numbers, place value markers (e.g., counters or small objects), and a caller to announce numbers.

• Create Bingo cards with numbers that have various place value representations, like 34, 205, or 1,468.
• Each player receives a Bingo card and some markers.
• The caller announces a number (e.g., “Three hundred twenty-one”).
• Players place a marker on the corresponding number on their Bingo card if they have it.
• The first player to get a row, column, or diagonal of markers shouts “Bingo!” and wins the game.

5. Place Value Charts

Place value charts are visual aids that represent the positions and values of digits within numbers.

Materials Required: Place value charts (can be printed or drawn), markers, and numbers to display.

• Use a place value chart to visually represent numbers. For example, write the number 638 on the chart.
• Label each position (ones, tens, hundreds) and place the digits accordingly.
• Explain the value of each digit based on its position. In this case, the “6” is in the hundreds place and represents 600.

Teaching place value is a fundamental step in building strong math skills. By using practical strategies and engaging activities, we can help children understand the world of numbers, making math more approachable and enjoyable for them. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you explain place value to a child.

To explain place value to a child, start by showing them that each digit in a number has a special spot that gives it a value. Use simple examples like counting blocks to help them see how numbers work.

How do you introduce a place value lesson?

When introducing a place value lesson, begin by discussing the idea that numbers are made up of different parts. Use props like colored beads or drawings to represent ones, tens, and hundreds, making it hands-on and interactive.

How to teach place value in first class?

To teach place value in first grade , start with small numbers and simple examples. Use visuals like place value charts and base-10 blocks to show how numbers are built. Keep the lessons short and engaging to hold young students’ attention.

Most Popular

15 Best Report Card Comments Samples

101 Best Riddles for Kids (With Explanation)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

What is Classical Homeschooling: A Comprehensive Guide

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps
• [email protected]

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever.

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

Want FREE Maths Games? Sign up for my absolute favourites! YES PLEASE

Mathful Learners

Understanding Place Value with 15+ Activities

by Alison Hislop 4 Comments

Number and Place Value are two Maths topics that I am constantly revising throughout the year – it may be a quick 5 minute game, or a whole lesson, but the importance of understanding place value can never be underestimated. When I am teaching these basic concepts I always have my High School Teacher Mum in my head saying “Primary teachers need to concentrate on the basics”.

A month or so ago I had an inspiring weekend – one idea lead to another idea which lead to more, and more and ta da, My  Understanding Place Value booklet evolved.

Since then, I have been overwhelmed by the downloads I have received on this product, so I decided to “Make it Bigger, Make it Badder, Make it Awesome” to quote Duff Goldman and added some more activities. Having taught in both the US and Australian systems, I made a full “ones” version and full “units” version to take into account the different terminology used. Full explanation of each activity is included. I’ve added 16 open-ended place value tasks at the beginning of the document that can be used as discussion points, problem solving activities and whole class warm-ups.

Here are some of my favourites activities from the 70 page document.

This is great Alison, I love the little matching page, perfect for my kids. Thank you so much for sharing:)

Aloha, Corinna Surfin' Through Second

Of course! Thanks for visiting from Hawaii!

I can not be a Giants fan, but I have a student who writes me a persuasive letter everyday, trying to convince me to root for them. Yesterday's ended with, "Fear the Beard". 🙂

Laurie Chickadee Jubilee

Oh, that is fabulous! I like that student already, he has spunk! Thanks for sharing!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

subscribe via email

Latest on instagram.

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

• The Number System and Place Value
• Calculations and Numerical Methods
• Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
• Properties of Numbers
• Patterns, Sequences and Structure
• Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
• Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

• Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
• 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
• Measuring and calculating with units
• Transformations and constructions
• Pythagoras and Trigonometry
• Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

• Handling, Processing and Representing Data
• Probability

Working mathematically

• Thinking mathematically
• Mathematical mindsets
• Cross-curricular contexts
• Physical and digital manipulatives

For younger learners

• Early Years Foundation Stage

Advanced mathematics

• Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
• Advanced Probability and Statistics

Number and Place Value

These activities are part of our Primary collections , which are problems grouped by topic.

These lower primary challenges all focus on number and place value.

Have a go at some of these upper primary tasks which will help deepen your understanding of number and place value.