Base 10 blocks are commonly used manipulatives for teaching and learning place value. After using the concrete models to identify hundreds, tens and ones, worksheets depicting visual examples help make the connection from concrete to abstract. Students are instructed to look at the base 10 graphic representations of three-digit numbers and construct the correct number shown by the example. Beginner worksheets place the graphics in order from hundreds to tens to ones, and advanced worksheets may mix the order.
When learning numbers, students observe the numbers in their standard form. The expanded form of a number expresses the number as the sum of the digits showing the value of each digit. Expanded form activities reinforce place value concepts. Worksheets provide students with the standard form of the number directing the students to rewrite the number in expanded form. Additional examples provide students with the expanded form of a number directing the students to rewrite the number using standard form.
The mystery number challenge is a skill reinforcement activity. Students are provided with various clues about a number. The clues consist of a specific digit that is in a specific place. Additional clues about the number are provided, with the clues being in a random order instead of in place value order. From the given clues, students are directed to solve the puzzle by finding the mystery number. Beginner level puzzles provide direct numbers such as the "number 4," while advanced puzzles can add additional clues such as "an even number between 3 and 5."
An abacus is a counting tool that can be used for place value activities. An abacus can be constructed with string and beads or small pasta tubes or can be purchased. Teachers provide a specific number either in writing or orally. Students are directed to create the number on the abacus using the correct number of beads or pasta tubes for each place. Teachers can informally assess students' knowledge of place values by the number formed on the abacus.