Grade 1 → Place Value and Number Sense ↓
Understanding Tens and Ones
Introduction to place value
Place value in maths is a fundamental concept that helps us understand the value of numbers. In simple terms, place value tells us the value of a digit based on its place in a number. For Class 1 children, the first step in maths is to understand the concept of tens and ones.
To develop a good understanding of numbers, children need to understand how numbers are made up of tens and ones. In this lesson, we will explore this concept in depth using examples and illustrations.
What are tens and ones?
The concept of once
The value of a digit in the 'ones' place is just that digit. For example, in the number 5, the digit '5' is in the units place. This means that there are exactly 5 units.
Let's see what they look like:
Here we have 5 blocks. Each block represents a 'one'. So, if you see 5 such blocks, you know that it represents the number 5.
The concept of tens
In the place value system, the next place after 'units' is 'tens'. Each 'tens' is a group of 10 units. So, when we reach 10, we group them to form 'tens'.
The number ten looks like this:
This single block represents a single 'ten', made up of 10 units grouped together.
Making numbers from tens and ones
Now that we understand ones and tens, let's see how we can use them to form numbers.
Example 1: Number 13
Let's look at number 13.
The number 13 has 1 ten and 3 units.
The number 13 is made up of 1 ten and 3 ones. So, when you add these together, you get 13.
1 ten = 10
3 units = 3
13 = 10 + 3
Example 2: Number 25
Let’s look at another number – 25.
The number 25 has 2 tens and 5 units.
When you group 2 tens with 5 units, the number formed is 25.
2 tens = 20
5 units = 5
25 = 20 + 5
The value of each digit in a two-digit number
Understanding tens and ones helps us see the value of each digit in a number. In two-digit numbers, the first digit tells us how many tens there are, and the second digit tells us how many ones there are.
Example:
- For the number
47, '4' is in the tens place. This means it is 40 because it has 4 tens. '7' is in the ones place, which represents 7 ones.
Number: 47
4 tens = 40
7 units = 7
Total 47 = 40 + 7
- In the number
68, '6' is in the tens place, which makes it 60. '8' is in the units place, which represents 8 units.
Number: 68
6 tens = 60
8 units = 8
Total 68 = 60 + 8
Visualizing numbers with base ten blocks
An effective way to teach children tens and ones is by using base ten blocks. Base ten blocks are manipulatives that visually represent numbers in the place value system.
Let's look at how base ten blocks can represent the number 34:
Number 34:
The three green bars represent three tens, and the four small blue squares represent four ones. Together, they form the number 34.
3 tens = 30
4 units = 4
Total 34 = 30 + 4
Activities to understand tens and ones
Counting and grouping activity
Encourage children to count objects such as blocks, beads or sticks. After counting, ask them to group the objects into groups of ten. This helps them visually see how units are converted into ten. They can then count any remaining pieces as units.
Finding tens and ones in everyday life
Help children recognise numbers and their places in everyday situations. For example, when buying things, talk about prices and guide them to differentiate tens and ones. If a toy costs 23 units, ask them how many tens and ones it represents.
Number creation with craft sticks
Use craft sticks to make bundles of ten by tying groups of ten sticks together with rubber bands. Have individual sticks for units. Ask the child to use these bundles to make different numbers for ten and use loose sticks for units, such as making the number 52.
Practice problems
Practice is very important to get a good grip on tens and ones. Here are some simple practice problems for children:
- What is the number made up of 5 tens and 2 ones?
Solution:
5 tens = 50
2 units = 2
Total = 52
Solution:
Tens: 6
A:7
Solution:
Number = 39
Solution:
Tens: 8
A:4
Conclusion
Understanding tens and ones is important in the early stages of learning mathematics. This concept lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical operations like addition and subtraction. Using visual aids and engaging activities, children can learn to associate abstract numbers with concrete objects, which helps them greatly in understanding place value. Practicing with examples and solving problems will strengthen their understanding of how numbers are formed from tens and ones.
With constant practice and real-world applications, children will develop a strong number sense that will help them in all their future math endeavors.
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