Description

Composing Numbers

Group: Whole Class/Three
Materials: base ten models (1 cube, flats, tens, and units), Composing Numbers cards, paper and pencil

Before beginning the activity, review the place values by showing each model (cube, flat, rod, and unit) and discussing their respective values (1,000, 100, 10, and 1). Then, prompt students to explain why each model represents its specific place value, reinforcing their understanding.

Distribute the following models to each group: 1 cube, flats, tens, and units. Review the value of each place value model. Have students display the models: 1 cube, 1 flat, 13 rods, and 2 units. Invite a student to the board to write the values of the models as sums. For example, 1,000 + 100 + 130 + 2 = 1,232.

Next, have students display the following models: 4 flats, 10 rods, and 2 units as sums. The students display the following models and write: 400 + 100 + 2 = 502. Give more examples as necessary.

Issue a set of Composing Numbers cards to each group. Group members are issued four cards each—instruct them to place the cards issued to them in a face-down stack. Begin by having Student A choose the first card in his/her stack, and then the student will display a set of models indicated on the card. After the student displays the models, the card is placed at the bottom of the stack. Instruct the rest of the group members to write the values of the models as sums on their paper. After all groups finish, call on a volunteer to read the information from a card and have another student write the standard number and the number’s word name for the models on the board. Repeat the activity until all the cards have been used.

Instructional Tip: During the activity, encourage students to verbalize their thought process as they find the sum of the models into sums. This step will help students internalize the concept and recognize patterns in place value.