Place value is a foundational concept that requires lots of revision and provides some incredible hands-on learning opportunities.
The start of the year is always an exciting time! But for many trepid new Year 2 students, it can be a little daunting. There are so many new things to learn about their new class, classmates, teacher and expectations. It is nice to give students some time to revise and then extend into new learning concepts. Place value is a foundational concept that requires lots of revision and provides some incredible hands-on learning opportunities.
We started with a key question: What is the difference between a digit and a number? Students explored this question through games and manipulative math activities. We learned that a digit holds a value when looking at its position within the whole number, or at the digit as a number on its own. Its value relates to its position. Similarly, as Christians, our identity holds value only through the gracious sacrifice of Christ. We are children of God and a part of His family, through the redemptive work of Christ which cleanses us of our sin.
We explored this mathematical concept using cards, Cheerios, base ten blocks and more. Students had many opportunities to investigate and adjust the value of numbers by rearranging the digits within. We were able to practice identifying numbers that were greater than and less than others, engage in some friendly competition in these activities. Students were able to work with numbers that matched their math proficiency and so whilst some were challenged by two- or three-digit numbers, others could extend to five-digit numbers and beyond. These activities were also a great opportunity to work together as a team, solve problems and nurture new friendships.
It was wonderful to see this foundational revision foster independence and accountability towards the learning of all students, throughout the exciting first weeks of Year 2!
