How to Teach Place Value Concepts
Math concepts are often difficult for children to grasp. Among the most difficult for young children, place value is valuable yet abstract. Teaching young children how to deal with an abstract idea while their mind is still working at the concrete level takes the patience of a teacher and a workable lesson plan. College professor, Richard Garlikov, says that teachers need to approach the subject in a manner children will understand (see References). There are ways to make the abstract more concrete.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Markers
- Roll of newsprint
- Construction paper
- Base ten math manipulatives
Instructions
-
-
1
Introduce the idea of place value by drawing circles on a paper, placing them in groups. First, draw a group of five, then nine and, finally, a group of ten. Draw a line and write "tens" to the right of it. On the right of the word "tens," draw another line and write "ones" to the right of it. Make several rows of the lines and words. Have your child write the numbers in the correct spaces.
-
2
Draw a chart with three columns. Create another column across the top by drawing a horizontal line two inches below the edge of your paper. In the space above the line, write ones, tens, and hundreds, from the right side to the left side.
-
-
3
Use base-10 math manipulatives. Give your child 20 "ones" squares. Trade your child one stick for every 10 "ones" he has to give you. Have him record the number of tens he has on the chart you made in step 2. Repeat the activity a few times with multiples of 10.
-
4
Hand your child 13 squares. When the trading is over, ask what they will do with the extra three "ones" squares. Write each number down, showing your child how to record the number of sticks and the number of squares. Repeat this activity several times, checking your child's answers for understanding.
-
5
Allow your child to practice the skill independently. Use a good introductory book about place values (see Resources). Check his work to verify that she understands the material.
-
6
Continue the lessons with a large sheet of newsprint. Divide the paper into three sections. Subdivide each section into three more sections. Draw a horizontal line five inches from the top of the paper running from the left to the right of the newsprint. Label the boxes you've just created with the names of the place values: ones, tens, and hundreds (see Resources). Write numbers on construction paper. Read a number to your child. Have him place his number in the correct section of your giant place- value chart. Take turns reading the numbers and play this place-value game with him. Each person gets a point when they place the number in the correct location.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Practice reading the numbers together.
As your child advances, make charts with millions and decimal places.
Avoid causing burn-out by taking breaks as you work on place value.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit math image by jaddingt from Fotolia.com
