What Is Place Value?
In first grade, children take a big step in math: they learn that the position of a digit tells its value. This is called place value, and it’s the key to understanding numbers beyond 10.
Already practiced counting with ten-frames? Great! This section builds on that foundation by helping students:
- Read two-digit numbers: Understand that in 47, the “4” means 4 tens (40) and the “7” means 7 ones.
- Compose and decompose numbers: Break numbers apart (35 = 30 + 5) and build them from tens and ones.
- Recognize multiples of ten: See that 20, 30, 40… mean 2 tens, 3 tens, 4 tens — with zero ones.
- Compare numbers using place value: Decide if 52 is greater than 25 by looking at the tens digit first.
- Find 10 more or 10 less mentally: Build fluency without counting one-by-one.
These interactive activities use base ten blocks, number puzzles, and quick challenges to make place value click. Perfect for reinforcing classroom learning or filling gaps at home!