Lesson Title:

Understanding Place Value

Objectives:

Students will understand the concept of place value and its importance in our number system
Students will be able to identify the value of a digit in a number based on its position in the place value chart
Students will be able to represent numbers up to the millions place using a place value chart

Materials:

Place value chart (one for each student)
Pencils and erasers
Whiteboard and markers (optional)

Introduction:

Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what place value is. Allow students to share their ideas and then introduce the concept of place value. Explain that place value refers to the value of a digit based on its position in a number. For example, the value of the digit “4” in the number “42” is different from the value of the digit “4” in the number “412”.

Direct Instruction:

Next, introduce the place value chart and explain how to read it. Explain that the chart goes from the thousandths place to the millions place, but for the purpose of this lesson, you will focus on the thousands, hundreds, tens, and one’s places. Have students follow along with their own place value chart as you explain each place.

Model how to use the place value chart to determine the value of a digit in a number. For example, write the number 4,321 on the board and ask students to identify the value of the digit “2”. Have students use their place value chart to determine that the value of the digit “2” is 200.

Guided Practice:

Provide students with a set of numbers and have them identify the value of a specific digit in each number. For example, ask students to find the value of the digit “5” in the number 35,684. After each question, have students share their answers and explain how they used the place value chart to find the answer.

Independent Practice:

Give students a set of numbers and have them complete a worksheet where they must identify the value of a specific digit in each number. Circulate the room to ensure that students are using the place value chart correctly and provide assistance as needed.

Closure:

Review the importance of understanding place value in our number system. Have students share an example of a situation where understanding place value is important (e.g. budgeting, measuring, etc.).

Assessment:

Assess student understanding through observation during independent practice and review of completed worksheets.

View/Download Resources by completing the form below