Place Value | Whole Class
Students will use simple coding movements and grouping actions to explore tens and ones in two-digit numbers. In a whole-class activity, they will “program” a robot to build numbers by collecting tens sticks and ones cubes, then explain how place value helps represent a number.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| tens | A group of 10 ones. |
| ones | Single objects or units. |
| place value | The value of a digit based on its position in a number. |
| code | A set of instructions. |
| robot | A pretend helper that follows instructions exactly. |
Tell students they will help a robot follow directions. Model two simple movement cards on the floor grid.
Watch, chant the directions, and mimic the robot movements with their fingers or bodies.
Show a two-digit number card, such as 34. Build it with blocks and think aloud: 3 tens and 4 ones. Connect each ten-stick to a 'big group' and each one cube to a 'single' item.
Repeat the number, count the tens and ones with the teacher, and hold up the matching number of fingers for tens and ones.
Place several object cards around the room or on the mat. Give a simple code such as 'move to 2 tens and 5 ones, then build 25.' Have students help the class 'program' the robot to pick the correct groups and assemble the number.
Say the code, choose the correct tens and ones, and help build the number model together.
Display a challenging number, such as 47 or 62. Ask students to whisper to a partner what the tens and ones are before sharing aloud.
Discuss the number with a partner, then raise hands to answer. Build or point to the correct tens and ones on the class model.
Write one number on the board and ask students to record the tens and ones on their sheet or in the air with fingers.
Show understanding by writing or pointing to the tens and ones and explaining one sentence about the number.
Review the key idea: the first digit tells the tens and the second digit tells the ones. Have students repeat the sentence, 'Place value helps us read and build numbers.'
Formative assessment will come from teacher observation during the guided practice, student responses during the challenge, and the quick recording of a two-digit number showing tens and ones.
Send home a short number hunt: students find one two-digit number at home or in the neighborhood, write it, and draw or tell how many tens and ones it has.