Place Value: Ones and Tens

Kids are introduced to the concept of place value in the second grade. Place Value is a core concept in math. But it’s difficult to teach a kid that the value of a digit (0-9) is dependent upon its position in a number. In place value, you have to teach the kid the position that a number holds and the value that number has.

You have to keep in mind that every kid will learn at his/her own pace so you have to be patient and understanding. The right time to teach place value is after the kids have learned to count and can perform simple additions and subtractions.

Hands-on methods and practical games are the most effective ways of teaching place value to a kid. One such method is by using poker chips.

Here are the steps for teaching place value using poker chips.

1. Introduce Group Counting

Teach students how to skip count in twos, threes, fours, fives and tens. Especially emphasize the ‘sense of ten’. This concept is fundamental for the understanding of place value.

2. Teach the difference of numbers and digits

The basic ten number symbols (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) are known as digits. These digits are combined together to make all other numbers in mathematics. Draw examples to demonstrate that ‘3’ and ‘5’are digits in their own but when combined, they make the number thirty-five.

3. Use a Number Board

Draw or print out a number board that contains numbers in sequential order from 1- 100. Explain to the kids using visual examples how the numbers from 0-9 interact with the numbers from 10 - 100. Teach the kids that every number from 10 – 99 is made up of two numbers. One number in the ‘ones’ place and the second number in the ‘tens’ place.

4. Use an Interactive Example

Now take out the poker chips and distribute them among the kids. Tell them that white poker chips stand for ‘ones’ place whereas the blue poker chips stand for the ‘tens’ place. Now show the kids how to create numbers using place value with the help of poker chips. It is not necessary to use poker chips or pebbles specifically. But it is your responsibility to make learning fun for the kids so you can use any small colored objects to demonstrate the examples.

Try Kids Academy for FREE

Gift card Enter coupon code

Note: You will not be billed until your free trial has ended and can cancel at any time. No strings attached.

Great for kids
Our 7 years old daughter loves reading activities and every off-line game Kids Academy offers. This is a very good app, I highly recommend it!
TonyThan
Such a great app!
This was a really fun way to get my kids to practice their math. I usually struggle to get them into it and Kids Academy makes it easy.
Fernanndas Stoun
Great app!
This app is wonderful for my 7 years old son! :) It focuses on basic reading, writing, and math skills. The reward system is great and consistent!
Lilbittygarza
So engaging
We love how we can focus on math with this app. It is engaging and we love how we are able to adjust and tailor the levels according to our son’s knowledge and skill levels!
Momma Anna
Daughter's favorite
Still a top favorite for our 7 year old. She loves earning her stars as she learns to trace letters and numbers. Coloring and the sounds are engaging and are on target for her age group and being Pre K.
Surviving5Kids
Great app
Wow! This app is really great. For the first time my kids actually enjoy learning math and reading. The games on Kids Academy are educational and really fun.
Kimberlyxo