Tens and ones

Ages 6 to 8 Read together, then try alone · about 15 minutes

Read together

We count in tens. Ten ones make one ten.

The number 34 means three tens and four ones.

The place of a digit tells us its value.

Do it

1. Collect 50 small things, like dried beans or buttons. Put them in groups of ten, in cups.
2. Make the number 34: three full cups and four loose ones. Write 3 tens and 4 ones, then 34.
3. Make other numbers: 27, 41, 58. Say them aloud.
4. Take away one ten. What number is left? Add two ones. What number now?

Talk about it

• How many tens are in 58?
• What number is four tens and nine ones?

For the grown-up

Place value is the heart of how our number system works. Use real things children can group and count. Wash hands after handling beans, and keep small items away from younger siblings.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

This is a play and practice activity with no factual claims to source.

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.