Learning to count is perhaps the most important aspect of a child’s early education. For first graders, place value is the key to being able to answer the most basic maths questions. It reminds them of how the numbers work, how to add properly, and how to build larger numbers by summing smaller, easier ones.
At FCL, the most trusted learning centre in Dubai, we support young pupils in building strong number skills from the beginning. Here, we will explain number place value in a clear and entertaining way so that parents and kids can better understand it.
What is Place Value?
Place value simply means the value of each digit in a number, depending on its position. For example, in 42, 4 is in the tens place and the 2 is in the units place. This gives us 4 tens (40) and 2 units (2) make up the number.
Understanding place value enables children to divide numbers and understand how numbers are made. It also simplifies adding and subtracting, and learning larger numbers after that.
The Ones, Tens, and Hundreds Places
At initial learning, we learn mainly in three major places:
Ones: These are units, i.e., 1, 2, or 5.
Tens: These are tens, i.e., 10, 20, or 30.
Hundreds: These are bigger groups of one hundred, e.g., 100, 200, etc.
So the number 137 is made up of:
- 1 hundred (100)
- 3 tens (30)
- 7 ones (7)
Children learn to read it as “one hundred and thirty-seven”.
Why Place Value is Useful
Place value helps children:
- Identify how numbers grow
- Read and write larger numbers
- Compare numbers easily
- Do mental maths more efficiently
When they understand that 60 is more than 16 based on the value of numbers, they are more confident in maths.
At our learning centre in Dubai, we use practical materials like number blocks and charts to help first graders learn the use of place value in everyday life.
Fun Ways to Teach Place Value at Home
Here are some simple and fun ideas to help your child at home:
- Use beads or blocks to model tens and ones groups
- Play number games like bingo or matching cards
- Draw place value charts to practice decomposing numbers
- Count snacks or coins in tens and ones groups
The more children interact with real objects during practice, the better the concepts tend to stick. Consistent daily practice — even if it’s just a few minutes a day — can make a significant difference in your child’s learning.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Children are inclined to:
- Get digit value mixed up (thinking 21 is larger than 102)
- Forget to count tens and ones
- Write numbers backwards
In order to rectify this, remind them of the rules of place value and employ graphs or charts to reinforce their learning. Repetition and patience are key.
If you are looking for help, our leading learning centre in Dubai offers support to help children overcome such challenges positively and encouragingly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Here are some simple practice suggestions:
- Have your child break down numbers into tens and units (e.g., 58 = 5 tens and 8 units).
- Ask them to read numbers from flashcards and then identify the number’s place value.
- Test them with puzzles or worksheets to build confidence.
Conclusion: Build Strong Number Skills from the Start
Mastering the concept of place value is the secret to being proficient at maths. Any child can learn it with ease with proper guidance and assistance. Start early, enjoy, and integrate learning into everyday life.
If your child needs an extra boost or a confidence boost, First Class Learning can help. Our top-rated learning centre in Dubai offers supportive, one-on-one support at your child’s level and pace.
Give your child a head start in maths today—enrol with First Class Learning, the learning partner of choice for Dubai families.
