Chances are, place value is the very first unit you teach every school year. There’s no doubt that teaching math lessons on top of establishing routines, classroom procedures, and expectations is challenging. Here’s how I break down place value concepts along with a few place value tips to make the first week manageable and successful.
Place value Lesson 1: Reading Large Numbers (Day 1)
Do you really know someone well if you don’t know their name? Likewise, if students are expected to understand place value within 7-digit numbers, they must know how to read their names! While this may not be the first lesson in your scope and sequence, it’s crucial to incorporate reading numbers as early as possible. For me, it is the very first thing I teach!
Students might feel overwhelmed when faced with a 7-digit number. Therefore, it’s important to break it down for them. Color-coding and chunking numbers into periods will help students get a grasp on large numbers.
By doing so, they never have to read more than 3 digits at a time. If students can read a 3-digit number, they can read a 7-digit number, and so on!
Another tip is to use numbers that have meaning behind them. How many people live in your city? How many McDonald’s Happy Meals are sold each day? Students will be more engaged and interested if they understand what the numbers represent.
Place Value Lesson 2: Place Value vs. Value (Day 1)
Next, I move on to value and place value. We continue to read the numbers as we identify value and place value positions. I use the same work mat as shown above for both skills. This lesson is short and sweet, which is why there is time to incorporate reading numbers.
Place Value Lesson 3: Place Value Relationships (Day 2)
This work mat reinforces important skills such as value and expanded form and helps students understand that each place value position has a value ten times greater than the position to its right.
Writing this in a multiplication equation prepares them for multiplicative comparisons, which is not too far down the road. The following video shows a sample of this lesson from start to finish.
slow and Steady Wins the Race
Students are learning so many things the first week back. Because of this, I often remind myself to slow down, relax, and take it one day and one lesson at a time. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, chances are they are too! These skills are the foundation for 4th grade…slow and steady will help them win the race.
4th Grade Place Value PowerPoint Lessons and Activities
All work mats and activities in this blog post are from my Place Value Unit. These lessons were created for the busy teacher who wants their students to be engaged and excited about learning but doesn’t have the time to start from scratch.
All lessons are editable (woohoo!) and come with printable activities to use during and after the lesson. My hope is for these lessons to save you time and relieve you from the stress that back-to-school season can bring. They are teacher-tested and student-approved as I’ve been using them with my 4th graders for years!
Now, if I left you wanting even more place value tips, head to your favorite podcast listening app and check out Episode 8 of Elementary Math Chat. I share tips for planning your place value lessons, strategies to help students overcome the most challenging place value skills, and small group activities your students will love.
Until next time,
Happy Teaching!
P.S. If you’re new to using work mats, THIS BLOG POST is a must-read!