Place Value
Place Value is an integral concept that all children must understand in order to be a successful math student. Yet, truly understanding place value and knowing that, for example, in the number 14, the 1 is in the tens place and the 4 is in the ones place is quite different. Place value is coming to the understanding that the number 14 is the same as 10+4 or 4+10, and that the number can be broken apart in this way. Here are some exercises that will help your child build this very important math concept.
Use something to manipulate. Use beans, dried pasta, pennies and dimes, or something that can be manipulated in order to solve math problems. Designate one kind of bean or pasta as having a value of 1, and another as having a value of 10, and another as having a value of 100, etc. Allow your child to use them to manipulate when doing homework problems. Show your child how the dime is worth the same amount as 10 of the pennies and how they can be traded. Actually, manipulating something allows a child to make the concept more concrete.
Pull numbers apart. Use any number and see how many ways your child can pull it apart. Take the number 14 again for example. It can be 10+4, 7+7, 8+6, 9+5, etc. Write them down. Notice if there are any patterns within the numbers. Break them down in new ways like 5+5+4 or 4+4+3+3. Use three and four digit numbers for this exercise too and see what your child can come up with.
Try multiplying. Multiplying is one of the best ways to build place value concept. It is also one of the easiest math concepts a child can grasp. Even a kindergartner can figure out how to add the same number multiple times. Take 3×5 for example, this means 3 groups of 5 or 5+5+5. Now, in order to get an answer, the child has to add 5+5=10 and then 10+5=15 which will build a solid foundation for place value.
Remember, when doing math with your child always give guidance instead of answers. If they are able to grasp the “why?” on their own, then they will be able to use the concept.
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Tags: Children, Counting, Education, Homework, Kinesthetic, Learning, math, Place Value, School, Skills, studying
I remember playing lots of math games using M&M’s with my kids. These are great ideas!