The Best Place Value Activities

I’m here to share some tips and activities to teach place value. I’ve written about place value before, and I’m writing about it again because kindergarteners and first graders need to understand this concept.

Place value is the value of each digit based on where it’s placed. We want students to know that in a number like 13, it is a ten and three ones. In a number like 350, then the three-digit represents three hundred. We want students to know that the value of the digit depends on its location.

Here are some place value activities that will teach these important concepts.

Decomposing Numbers

First, students decompose ones.

I would start by teaching students how to decompose numbers. I think it’s vital that students know that there is more than one way to represent a number, which will prepare them for place value. We teach students the different ways to decompose numbers using drawings, number bonds, and writing number sentences.

Number Bonds

A number bond is my favorite math tool to teach kindergarteners how to decompose. They put cubes in the whole and slide some in one part and the other part. They write a number sentence.

Second, students decompose teen numbers into ten and some ones.

Build Teen Numbers

I have written about how to teach decomposing teen numbers to kindergarteners many times. Let me share my students’ favorite center.

My students love this game. It’s low-prep and hands-on. Students pick a card and build it as ten and some ones and write a number sentence. This activity teaches students that the one in a teen number is ten and not a one.

Place Value Mat

Last, students place value with two-digit numbers.

Here’s an activity you could use. It combines the two activities above.

Students pick a number (or you tell them a number), showing the number using quick tens and ones. Then, they write the number in expanded form. Next, they show the number as a number sentence. Last, they show the number using a number bond.

Sorting Worksheets

Students sort by numbers greater than 40 and less than 40. To challenge students, have them draw quick tens and ones to show a number greater than 50.

Make real-life connections

Students understand more when you provide them with an authentic experience that they can connect to the real-world. We don’t use base 10 blocks in the real world but we use coins. Give students coins so they can see place value in action. I recommend using dimes and pennies only.