The abstract quality of math makes hands-on learning an absolute must in the primary grades. And there's really no better hands-on tool than place value blocks when it comes to learning about place value and number sense. Today, let's chat all about how we use place value blocks to build number sense in first grade.
The Benefit of Using Hands-On Math Tools
In the first-grade classroom, students are just beginning to learn all about how numbers are composed. This is a very abstract concept for young learners, so using hands-on manipulatives is essential for deeper understanding. When children are allowed to build numbers using place value blocks, it helps them to visualize groups of numbers and equations to strengthen their overall number sense. When students can physically represent each number, they can better understand more complex number sense concepts.
Aside from these key motivators to use number sense blocks, I've also found that they really help to boost engagement. Students LOVE using tactile materials, and anytime we pull out the place value blocks, I can count on snagging their attention. Ready to get started? Here's a list of my must-have tools for building number sense and how to use them!
My Favorite Number Sense Tools
First off, let's talk about the best hands-on math tools for young learners! If you're in the market for some number sense manipulatives, I highly recommend investing in a set of place value blocks. You can get place value blocks made in different colors and materials. I personally love plastic blocks because they are super durable. We use them so much, and I want them to withstand that repeated use. But you can also find foam place value blocks, too.
If your teaching area has a magnetic board or some sort, these 3D magnetic place value blocks are a great way to model in a way that all students can see. I love the 3D aspect of these because it is very easy for students to connect these with the blocks they use.
In my classroom, I made students their own boxes with a set of place value blocks, but if you aren't able to do this, then use them in your math centers. Students will still get the benefit of working with the base ten blocks regularly! I also love this place value blocks building mat that I found on Amazon. It's the perfect activity for adding some place value practice to your centers. Just add some number cards and you have a fun, hands-on number-building center activity without a lot of fuss.
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Introducing Place Value Blocks
Once you've got your tools, it's time to start working with them in the classroom! I have found it best to introduce place value blocks at the same time I introduce the place value chart. We always start with ones, and as we put a number into the chart, we count out ones blocks to match. This combination of seeing the number, seeing it in the place value chart, and counting out the blocks helps students to start to build a concrete understanding of what each number represents.
Each time we move up to a new level on the place value chart, we make the hands-on connection between the blocks. I like to stack up the smaller blocks to show students that they are the same size as the new block we are using. Lining up 10 ones blocks next to a 10 rod or ten 10 rods next to a hundred block is a great way to illustrate this.
Using Place Value Blocks as a Tool
From the beginning, I teach my students that place value blocks are tools to help them understand math and solve problems. We use place value blocks on a regular basis, which is why I gave each student their own place value box. This way, they know they can use it any time they need or want, and they are readily available.
The great thing about place value blocks is that students can continue to use them as they work with bigger numbers. So while we start with ones and tens, it is not too long before we start working with bigger numbers. As children move on to working with larger numbers, the place value blocks serve as the perfect way to continue illustrating how the number can be decomposed.
Daily Place Value and Number Sense Practice
In first grade, we work with numbers every day. Strong number sense is a foundational skill that will be used by students for years and years to come. To help support this skill, we rely on daily math number sense activities as a big part of our daily math routine.
Each day, we have a target number highlighted on our number sense practice pages. The first thing we do is build that number using place value blocks. Then we use those blocks to help us answer the other questions. On each daily math page, we work on place value, comparing numbers, ordering numbers, 1 more / 1 less, and 10 more / 10 less. By consistently working on these skills, students build a solid understanding that leads to mastery.
Some students use the blocks faithfully to complete the activities, while others naturally wean themselves off the blocks as their number sense continues to develop. Aside from the daily practice pages, the daily math pack also includes some fun place value games that my students love to play during math centers. I find that using a blend of the daily practice pages and the center games and activities is a great way to help children build number sense skills.
If you're looking for a way to include more number sense activities in your routine, you can find these daily math place value sheets and activities in my TPT store. I have bundled together the entire year in one set (or you can find each month individually).
Getting the children into a routine of working with place value blocks and practice pages every day is a wonderful way to help strengthen number sense in your classroom.
More Fun Place Value Activities
Using place value blocks to build number sense is one of my favorite activities, but using place value blocks isn't the only way we work with numbers. I love to fill our math centers with lots of engaging activities that get students working with numbers. Making lessons and centers engaging for students is my favorite way to capture their interest. After all, if they think they are playing and don't even realize they are sharpening those number sense skills, center time can feel like a breeze!
One of the ways I do this is with math games during center time. My students love games, and when I can use that to help them hone their number skills, I am happy to do that. These fun Place Value Games have students match a place value representation with the number in a variety of ways. There are 7 different games included, such as Tic Tac Toe, Numbers to 100, and Number Building. The best thing about these games, though, is that they are all extremely low-prep. All you need to do is print the pages, laminate them for durability, and you're good to go! Students will use paperclip spinners and small erasers to play solo or with a partner.
If you'd like to try these out in your classroom, you can grab all 7 of these Place Value Games absolutely FREE! Yes, you heard that right! Just click here and enter your email to snag them all. I know these will be a big hit in your classroom.
More Place Value Centers
Another great way to capture student interest when working with place value is by using poke cards. Poke cards are fun, self-checking cards that students can do independently. On these cards, students will look at the place value representation and match the number. Students "poke" the correct answer by putting something (a pencil or pipe cleaner works well) through the correct answer. Students can then turn the card over and see if they were correct.
These make for another great center option due to the self-correcting nature of the cards. My students love the hands-on element of poking a pencil through the card, so these always snag their attention with ease. You can give poke cards a try in your classroom, too! These cute monkeys are ready to give your students some practice with tens and ones. Try these free place value poke cards!
Make Place Value Fun and Simple
Building strong number sense in first grade doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right mix of daily practice, hands-on manipulatives like place value blocks, and engaging center activities, your students will develop the confidence and skills they need to understand numbers on a deeper level.
Whether you’re introducing ones and tens, practicing with number mats, or adding in fun games and poke cards, these activities make abstract concepts concrete and keep learning interactive. If you’re ready to streamline your planning and bring more meaningful practice to your math block, be sure to grab my daily number sense pack and free place value games to get started. Your students will love them, and you’ll love how easy they make teaching place value!
Looking for More?
Here are some more blog posts to make teaching place value more fun in the primary classroom!
- Picture Books for Teaching Place Value
- Using Spiral Review to Make Math Concepts Stick
- Moving Past 100: Place Value and Number Sense Activities that Work!
Pin these Place Value Activities!
Pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can come back the next time you need place value and number sense ideas.
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