Place Value Check-In

Lesson Overview

Unit: Place Value Adventures
Lesson Number: 14 of 17
Year Level: Prep
Subject: Mathematics
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Reference: Australian Curriculum – Mathematics,
Number and Algebra – Number and Place Value (ACMNA001, ACMNA002)

• Establish understanding of the language and processes of counting by naming numbers in sequences, initially to and from 20, moving from any starting point.
• Connect number names, numerals and quantities, including zero, initially up to 10 and then beyond.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Demonstrate their understanding of place value in numbers up to 20.
• Show their ability to identify, represent, and order numbers correctly.
• Enjoy a game-based assessment approach to consolidate learning in a non-intimidating way.

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Materials & Preparation

Resources Required:

• Counting blocks or unifix cubes
• Number charts (1-20)
• Mini whiteboards and markers
• Printed "Place Value Treasure Hunt" activity sheets
• Small cups or baskets for grouping objects
• Stickers for encouragement

Room Setup:

• Ensure students are seated in groups for collaborative activities.
• Set up a table with manipulatives for hands-on activities.
• Use the whiteboard or projector to display key questions.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes) – Place Value Flash Round!

1. Call out numbers between 1 and 20 and ask students to:
   • Show the number of fingers to match (e.g., "Show me 12 with your fingers!").
   • Build the number using counting blocks (e.g., "Can you show me 15 using unifix cubes?").
2. Display a number on the board (e.g., 9) and ask:
   • What is one more?
   • What is one less?
3. Have students quickly discuss in pairs:
   • "What is the biggest number you can make with these cubes?"

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2. Activity (25 minutes) – Place Value Treasure Hunt

Objective: Assess students' place value understanding through a scavenger hunt-style game.

Instructions:

1. Prepare activity sheets with treasure clues, where each clue provides a place value challenge (e.g., "Find the number that has a 1 in the tens place and a 5 in the ones place – what is it?").
2. Students work in pairs or small groups to solve the clues. The answer leads them to a different location where they find the next clue.
3. Clues include:
   • Counting objects and matching them to a numeral.
   • Representing numbers on their mini whiteboards.
   • Ordering numbers correctly (e.g., arranging number cards from smallest to largest).
4. Final Clue: Leads to the "Treasure Chest" (a small box with stickers or fun stamps as a reward).

Assessment Focus:

• Can students recognise numbers and their value?
• Are they confident identifying the tens and ones in numbers up to 20?
• Do they correctly sequence numbers?

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3. Closing (10 minutes) – Reflection & Celebration

1. Gather students in a circle and discuss:
   • What was the trickiest question in the treasure hunt?
   • What helped you figure out the answers?
2. Have students each hold up a number card and say what comes before and after.
3. Reward participation with stickers or positive praise (e.g., "I loved how Alex used counting blocks to check his answer!").

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Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment Method:

• Observation: Watch how students work through the treasure hunt.
• Verbal Responses: Listen for correct explanations and reasoning.
• Written Recording: Collect mini whiteboard responses for informal checking.

Differentiation Strategies:

• For students who need extra support: Pair them with a confident peer and provide extra counting resources.
• For students ready for a challenge: Ask them to create their own place value riddle for the class.

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Teacher Reflection & Next Steps

• Which students demonstrated strong place value skills, and who needs more practice?
• Were students engaged in the activities?
• Did the treasure hunt effectively assess understanding?
• Use findings to adjust lessons 15-17 for review before the unit concludes.

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Wow Factor!

✅ Gamified assessment – making testing fun instead of stressful!
✅ Hands-on manipulatives to help concrete thinkers grasp place value.
✅ Encourages teamwork & discussion, reinforcing peer learning.
✅ Ties into real-world problem-solving (hunting for clues & solving puzzles).

This interactive approach ensures all students engage in meaningful learning while allowing the teacher to assess understanding in a dynamic way. 🚀