Grade 6 / 7 – 60 Minutes

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Unit: Mastering Place Value

Lesson 1 of 10: Introduction to Place Value

Alberta Curriculum Reference:

• Number 6.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the base-ten number system including place value to thousands (Program of Studies for Mathematics, Grade 6, Number Strand)
• Number 6.2 Represent and compare whole numbers up to 1 000 000
• Number 6.4 Demonstrate and explain the effects of multiplying or dividing by powers of 10

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Learning Objectives (I can statements)

• I can explain what place value means and why it is important.
• I can identify the value of each digit in a number up to 10 000 (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands).
• I can represent numbers using base-ten blocks and place value charts.

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Success Criteria

• I can correctly use place value terms (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands).
• I can show the value of digits in different places using visual aids.
• I can represent numbers both concretely (with manipulatives) and visually (charts).
• I can explain my thinking clearly to a partner or group.

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Materials Needed

• Base-ten blocks or place value manipulatives (ones cubes, tens rods, hundreds flats, thousands cubes)
• Place value charts (large poster size & individual student copies)
• Whiteboards and markers
• Dyslexia-friendly printed activity sheets (using dyslexia-friendly font, spacing, and colour contrast)
• Projector or interactive whiteboard for visual aid
• Number cards (0-9) for place value building game

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Lesson Flow

1. Introduction / Hook (10 minutes)

• Engage students by asking: "What does each number in 3421 mean? Does each digit have the same value?"
• Show a number: 3 421 on the board.
• Use base-ten blocks to physically represent this number (3 thousands cubes, 4 hundreds flats, 2 tens rods, 1 one cube).
• Discuss how each digit’s place changes its value.
• Dyslexia-friendly tip: Use clear, simple fonts when showing digits and avoid overcrowded slides.

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2. Direct Instruction & Modelling (15 minutes)

• Introduce the place value chart with label columns: Thousands | Hundreds | Tens | Ones.
• Model how to write numbers in the chart and how to read them aloud, e.g. 2,356.
• Demonstrate expanding a number: 2,356 = 2,000 + 300 + 50 + 6.
• Use the projector for a step-by-step animation moving a digit to its value in the place value chart.

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3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Hand out individual base-ten blocks and place value charts to students.
• Call out numbers (e.g., 4,217; 3,602; 5,431) and have students build the number using manipulatives, then place digits on their chart.
• Students work in pairs to explain the values of the digits to each other using “I can…” statements.
• Circulate to check understanding and give instant feedback.

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4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)

• Provide dyslexia-friendly printable worksheets with 6-8 numbers for students to:
  • Fill in missing digits in place value charts.
  • Write numbers in expanded form.
• Extension for advanced learners: Include numbers up to 10 000 and ask them to explain what happens if digits move place (e.g., moving a digit from the hundreds place to the thousands place).
• For students needing extra help, offer a smaller set of numbers and use colour-coded place value charts to support visual discrimination.

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5. Closure and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Group discussion: Ask students to share one new thing they learned about place value.
• Recap “I can…” statements from the lesson.
• Use an exit ticket: Students write one digit from a number and explain its value in one sentence.
• Collect exit tickets for formative assessment.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Profile	Strategies
Students with reading difficulties	Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and high contrast materials. Use tactile manipulatives to reinforce concepts visually and kinesthetically.
ELL Students	Use clear visuals, repeat key vocabulary, and pair with a peer for explanation practice. Provide bilingual glossaries if needed.
Advanced Learners	Challenge with 5-digit numbers and introduction to decimals (tenths place) in future lessons. Invite explaining higher place values or patterns when multiplying by 10.
Students needing extra support	Use one-on-one demonstration with manipulatives. Use step-by-step scaffolding and simplified language in instructions.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during paired discussions and manipulatives use; responses on exit tickets.
• Summative (future lessons): Quiz on reading and writing numbers in expanded and standard form.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Note student engagement with hands-on materials.
• Identify who requires additional support or extension.
• Consider pace adjustments based on student interaction with manipulatives and whole-class discussion.

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WOW Factor Teaching Tips

• Use storytelling: Turn numbers into “number houses” where each digit’s place is a room with a special value.
• Interactive app or tool: If available, use a place value digital game or interactive chart to reinforce learning visually and kinesthetically.
• Voice recording: Have students record a short explanation of a digit's value on a tablet or phone and play it back to improve confidence and speaking skills—great for reflection and assessment.
• Colour coded blocks and charts to support dyslexic students and visual learners, helping them to parse numerical information quickly and clearly.

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This lesson creates a solid foundation by blending Alberta curriculum expectations with active, student-centred engagement and inclusivity for diverse learners.