At MISD, we use a math curriculum called Everyday Math. In first grade, Everyday Math starts the year by teaching the students how to explore the number line and introduces counting strategies. Then, we began exploring different strategies to solve story problems. Most recently, we began exploring place value.
Place value is a fundamental concept in mathematics that helps us understand the value of digits in a number based on their position. Everyday Math uses a “Base-10” system to give students a hands on approach to building a number. In the base-10 system, numbers are composed of various places. We started focusing on place value in the tens and ones places. Before each math lesson, each student receives 10s and 1s blocks along with a place value mat.
Students are given a random number and have a chance to practice representing that number with the place value blocks. The goal is for students to identify each place value and eventually write each number in expanded form. An example would be 23= 20 + 3 or 2 tens and 3 ones.
