Place Value Tools

Concrete Tools (Manipulatives*) First

Place Value Blocks

But they have limitations.

• Cost, which limits quantity, in turn limiting manipulative practice.

• Don't bring real-world experience and understanding to undergird learning.

• Noisy as well as comparatively time-consuming to use.

• Hard with sharp edges, potentially hurting someone.

While students frequently encounter math problems that have pictures of place value blocks, they are not the most effective tool for initial learning about place value. It's important for students to know about place value blocks — eventually.

What is a better way to learn about place value and regrouping that was easier to use in classroom or other settings and more effective for helping students understand the concepts?

Actually there is!

Place Value Money

They are:

• Inexpensive, allowing each student access to the manipulatives and more practice than can occur with limited supplies.

• Bring with them some basic prior understanding since students observe parents and others use money, make change, and exchange bills – in other words, regroup.

• Have their place value written on them.

• Quiet as well as relatively quick to use; less distracting.

• Include decimal place value manipulatives with dimes (tenths) and pennies (hundredths).

• Last but not least, no hard surfaces or corners that could hurt or trip anyone.