Place value is one of those maths concepts that students need lots of repeated practice with — but that doesn’t mean it has to be another worksheet every time.
When students are learning about hundreds, tens and ones, they need to see numbers represented in different ways. They need to connect the numeral with the word form, expanded form, place value language and base-ten blocks. That’s where hands-on place value games can be so helpful.
One of my favourite ways to practise place value in Year 1 and Year 2 is with Place Value Dominoes. They are easy to prep, simple to teach, and perfect for a math center, math rotation, small group activity or fast finisher task.
Why use games to teach place value?
Place value can be tricky because students are not just memorizing numbers. They are learning that each digit has a value depending on its position.
For example, in the number 426:
- the 4 represents 4 hundreds
- the 2 represents 2 tens
- the 6 represents 6 ones
That sounds simple to us, but for young learners it takes time, discussion and repeated exposure.
A good place value math center gives students the chance to practice these ideas in a way that feels engaging, while still building important number understanding.
What students practise with Place Value Dominoes
My Hundreds, Tens and Ones Dominoes help students match different representations of three-digit numbers. Depending on the set they are using, students practise matching:
- numbers to base-ten blocks
- number words to expanded form
- number words to numerals
- numbers to place value descriptions
This helps students move beyond just recognising a number. They begin to understand how numbers can be shown in different ways, which is such an important part of building strong number sense.
How to use Dominoes in your classroom
There are a few easy ways to use these dominoes, depending on your class and the time you have available.
- Use as a math center for independent or partner practice
- Use in small groups at the teacher table. This is a great way to check for understanding.
- Turn them into a matching center by cutting them in half.
- Use them as a hands-on early finisher activity.
What’s included in my Place Value Dominoes resource?
My Place Value Hundreds, Tens and Ones Dominoes resource includes four complete domino-style games. Each set has 24 cards and focuses on a different way to represent three-digit numbers.
The sets include:
- numbers matched to base-ten blocks
- number words matched to expanded form
- number words matched to numerals
- numbers matched to place value descriptions
The sets are colour-coded to make organisation easier, and recording sheets are included if you would like students to show their work or keep them accountable during math centers.
There are also word-form versions with and without “and”, so you can choose the convention that works best for your classroom (in Australia we say: four hundred AND sixty-two, which is different to my U.S. friends!).
A simple way to make place value practice more engaging
If your students need more practice with three-digit place value, these dominoes are a fun and practical way to build confidence.
They work well for 2nd grade math centers, math rotations, small group review, partner practice, early finishers or a whole-class place value activity.
You can take a closer look at the Place Value Hundreds, Tens and Ones Dominoes here: HTO Dominoes.
If you need Tens and Ones Dominoes, or to easily differentiate for your learners, you can check them out here: Tens and Ones Dominoes.
Do you use games to practise place value in your classroom? They are one of my favourite ways to keep students engaged while still giving them the repeated practice they need.
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One Response
Oh this is so cute!