Place Value

Place value for kids is tricky. Many children do fine at the ones, excel with tens, and even master the hundreds and thousands, but add a fifth or sixth digit, and they're sunk. As we continue to learn how to read bigger numbers (and determine each digit's value), I would like to share one manipulative that has helped.

For relatively no cost, you can create what I like to call the Place Value Machine. All you will need are four-six styrofoam cups and as many markers (different colors help).

Each cup represents a different place value (my example only goes up to thousands, but you can add ten thousands and hundred thousands when you feel they need a challenge). You will need to number the side of each cup (the part that sticks out when they are stacked) 0-9. Be sure to line the numbers up across all cups or this "machine" will not properly work. Write the remaining value of each number on the part that is hidden (see photo above).

Here is what your Place Value Machine should look like when stacked:

Now, ask your child to create a number. As they are creating the number, I like to have them make sound effects like a real machine. They're pretty creative with it.

Once the number has been made, ask them what the value of each digit is. Students often struggle with this question simply because they forget what value means. I like to tie its meaning into money, or what something is worth.

Go through each place. Have them say the value.

"3,000"

"200"

"40"

"2"

Remind them that as you say a number, many digits say how much they are worth (in 3,242, the 3 said, "3,000"; the 2 said, "200"; the 4 said, "40"; and the 2 said, "2").

Have your child practice expanded form (3,242 is 3,000+200+40+2). Students will enjoy doing this at home. You would have thought I had let them play on the iPads when I brought this out the other day!

Credit: idea from Pinterest