Learning Resources for Parents - Numeracy

The Big Ideas in Number – from Subitising to Trusting the Count

The Big Ideas in Number is a framework of 6 Numeracy concepts which provide the foundation for developing number sense. Number sense is fundamental to mathematical learning. The Big Ideas in Number are:

• Trusting the count
• Place Value
• Multiplicative Thinking
• Partitioning
• Proportional Reasoning
• Generalising

Last newsletter we looked at the first Big Idea – Trusting the Count. Students need to develop a strong sense of the numbers 0 to 10 and reach the stage of ‘trusting the count’ to be able to develop their understanding of the next Big Idea - Place Value.

Place value is the foundation of our base 10 number system.

Place value underpins fluency in arithmetic calculations and supports ongoing learning with larger numbers and decimals. ‘Ten of these is one of those’ is a key pattern underpinning initial place value understanding. 

What is Place Value?

Place value refers to the understanding of the value of each digit in a number. For example, the 5 in 350 represents 5 tens, or 50; however, the 5 in 5006 represents 5 thousands, or 5000. It is important that children understand that whilst a digit can be the same, its value depends on where it is placed in the number. 

As we saw with Trusting the Count, children need hands-on experiences to build their mental models of numbers. The same is true when developing their understanding of place value. Provide regular opportunities for learners to make multiple bundles of ten out of regular household items (eg sticks from the backyard, counters, pieces of lego, chocolates or lollies – if you trust yourself!). If you like you can even purchase some pop sticks which can then be regularly counted. Use these to play trading games, to consolidate the idea that 10 of these is 1 of those. Playing games and activities supports children to build a strong conceptual understanding of what place value is all about.

Activity 1: Bundling

Players take it in turns to toss a six sided dice and add the matching number of sticks to the ones place on a placemat. 

When the player reaches 10 ones these are bundled to make 1 ten and transferred to the tens place on the same placemat. The game continues until the number made exactly equals a predetermined target number (eg 64). Alternatively, the game keeps going, and many bundles of tens are made. These can be counted in the following way, ‘1 ten, 2 tens, 3 tens, 4 tens, … 13 tens, 14 tens, … 24 tens, 25 tens. We made 25 

tens!’ Learners can then make, name and record tens and ones using a variety of materials. Place value charts can be used to model and record two-digit numbers.

Activity 2: Show it Four Ways 

This activity comes from the following website:

There are a range of activities at this and other websites. Search Place Value Activities To Do At Home (or a similar search term) and you will have many websites and activities to choose from.