Hi there fellow math enthusiasts! Today, I wanted to share with you a fantastic math tool that has been an absolute game-changer in my classroom: place value disks. These nifty little disks help students understand and master the concept of place value in a way that is both fun and engaging.
What are place value disks?
Place value disks are circular disks that are color-coded to represent the different place value positions in a number. For example, if we were looking at the number 458, we would use three disks: one disk for the hundreds place (colored green), one disk for the tens place (colored blue), and one disk for the ones place (colored red).
The disks themselves are made out of magnetic material, which makes them perfect for use on a whiteboard. They can also be used on a desk or table if you attach a small magnet to the back of each disk.
Why are place value disks important?
Place value is a crucial concept in math, as it lays the foundation for understanding larger mathematical concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, many students struggle to grasp the concept, and traditional methods of teaching it (like drawing out place value charts on a whiteboard) can be tedious and confusing.
Place value disks offer a hands-on way for students to visualize and understand the concept of place value. By physically moving the disks around and seeing how they come together to form a number, students are better able to internalize the concept and remember it in the long term.
How to use place value disks
There are many ways to use place value disks in the classroom, but here are a few of my favorites.
1. Building numbers
One of the most basic ways to use place value disks is to have students build numbers. You can provide them with a number (written out in standard form or expanded form) and have them use the disks to represent it. For example, if the number is 645, students would use six hundreds disks (green), four tens disks (blue), and five ones disks (red).
This activity is great for visual learners, as they get to see how the digits come together to form a complete number. It also helps reinforce the idea that each digit in a number represents a different value.
2. Addition and subtraction
Place value disks can also be used to teach addition and subtraction. For example, if you wanted to add 325 and 487, you would start by setting up the problem with the disks:
Then, you would have students combine the disks that represent the same values (i.e. green hundreds disks with green hundreds disks) to find the total for each place value position. In this case, there are 7 hundreds disks (3 + 4), 1 tens disk (2 + 8), and 2 ones disks (5 + 7), so the final answer is 812.
This activity is great for kinesthetic learners, as they get to manipulate the disks and physically move them around to find the answer.
3. Comparing numbers
Another way to use place value disks is to teach students how to compare numbers. For example, if you wanted to compare the numbers 634 and 768, you would set up the disks like this:
Then, you would have students compare the disks that represent the same values (i.e. green hundreds disks with green hundreds disks) to determine which number is larger. In this case, 7 hundreds is greater than 6 hundreds, so the number 768 is larger than 634.
This activity is great for visual learners, as they get to see the numbers side by side and compare them directly.
Where to get place value disks
If you’re interested in using place value disks in your classroom, there are several options available. You can create your own by printing out templates and gluing them to cardboard or laminating them for durability.
Alternatively, there are many pre-made place value disk sets available for purchase. These sets typically come with a variety of disks in different colors and sizes, as well as a magnetic board or whiteboard on which to use them.
Printable Place Value Disks
One great option for educators is the Printable Place Value Disks set by Josh Shelley, available on Teachers Pay Teachers. This set includes printable disks in three different sizes (1 inch, 1.5 inch, and 2 inch) that can be used to represent numbers from the thousands to the millions.
The set also includes a handy guide that explains how to use the disks for addition, subtraction, and comparing numbers, as well as offering ideas for games and activities that can be played with the disks.
Place Value Disk Magnet Buttons
Another great option is the Place Value Disk Magnet Buttons set, available on eCrater. These disks are both colorful and magnetic, making them perfect for use on a whiteboard or other magnetic surface.
The set includes 64 disk buttons in various colors and sizes, as well as a handy storage container to keep them organized.
1" Place Value Disks
For those looking for larger disks, the 1" Place Value Disks set by Amy Lalla, also available on Teachers Pay Teachers, is a great option. These disks are super-sized, making them perfect for use in a classroom setting where they need to be seen from a distance.
The set includes disks in four different colors (green, blue, red, and yellow), as well as a guide with suggestions for how to use the disks for various activities and games.
Conclusion
Overall, place value disks are a fantastic tool for helping students understand and master the concept of place value. Whether you’re using them for building numbers, addition and subtraction, or comparing numbers, these disks offer a hands-on way to learn that is both fun and engaging.
If you’re interested in using place value disks in your classroom, consider purchasing a pre-made set or printing out your own. Your students will thank you for it!
