Place Value, Reading & Writing Whole Numbers in Standard and Expanded Form Lesson Plan

Overview

Ever wondered how to teach place value in an engaging way to your 4th and 5th grade students?

In this lesson plan, students will learn about reading and writing multi-digit whole numbers in standard, expanded, and word forms, along with their real-life applications. Through artistic, interactive guided notes, checks for understanding, a doodle & color by number activity, and a maze worksheet, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of place value concepts.

The lesson include real-life examples that explores how understanding place value is essential when managing financial transactions in everyday life.

Get the Lesson Materials

Read & Write Numbers in Standard Form Expanded Form Word Guided Notes w/ Doodles

Read & Write Numbers in Standard Form Expanded Form Word Guided Notes w/ Doodles

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Learning Objectives

After this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the concept of place value for multi-digit whole numbers
  • Read and write multi-digit whole numbers in standard form (e.g., 3,476)
  • Convert multi-digit whole numbers into expanded form (e.g., 3,476 = 3,000 + 400 + 70 + 6)
  • Express multi-digit whole numbers in word form (e.g., 3,476 = three thousand four hundred seventy-six)
  • Identify how place value concepts are used to solve real-life problems

Prerequisites

Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:rs

  • Basic addition and subtraction skills involving whole numbers
  • The concept of place value in two-digit numbers (ones and tens)

Key Vocabulary

  • Place Value
  • Standard Form
  • Expanded Form
  • Word Form
  • Multi-digit Whole Numbers

Procedure

Introduction


As a hook, ask students why they think understanding place value is important for handling money or budgeting their allowance. Encourage them to share their thoughts on how they keep track of their spending and saving. Refer to the last page of the guided notes for additional prompts and FAQs that can spark discussion.

Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the concept of reading and writing multi-digit whole numbers in standard form (up to one million). Discuss the structure of a multi-digit number, emphasizing the importance of each digit's place value (ones, tens, hundreds) and the different sections (periods). Walk through the key points: the significance of the ones, tens, hundreds places, and beyond. Explain how each digit represents a different value based on its position. Refer to the FAQs below to anticipate common questions, such as "What happens if there's a zero in a certain place?" and address those questions as you go along. Then, use the bottome part of the guided notes to introduce word form. Explain that writing numbers in word form is simply expressing the number in written words. Emphasize the structure and key terms used in this form. Walk through examples of converting standard form to word form, and highlight how this form is useful in everyday situations such as filling out forms.

Next, use the second page of the guided notes to introduce expanded form. Explain that expanded form breaks down the number into the sum of each digit multiplied by its place value. Go step-by-step through a couple of examples, showing how to convert a standard number into expanded form. Discuss the difference between writing a number in standard and expanded form, and how this understanding enhances number sense. Refer to the FAQs for answers to questions like "Why do we use expanded form?" to clarify its significance in mathematics.

Throughout the introduction, constantly check for understanding. If certain concepts appear to confuse students, be prepared to reteach those specific points. Assess the proficiency levels within your class. If you notice a diverse range of understanding, pull out students needing extra assistance for targeted reteaching while allowing more advanced students to begin exploring practice exercises.

Practice



Have students practice reading and writing multi-digit whole numbers using the maze activity (page 3) included in the guided notes resource. Walk around to answer student questions and provide support as needed.

Fast finishers can dive into the color by number activity included (page 4) for extra practice. Alternatively, you can assign this activity as homework for the remainder of the class.

Real-Life Application

Bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of how place value and writing numbers in different forms is essential when handling money and financial transactions. Explain that understanding place value allows us to accurately read prices, make change, and budget our expenses. Refer to the FAQ for more ideas on how to teach it!

Extensions

Extensions

Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice

If you’re looking for digital practice for reading and writing multi-digit whole numbers, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.

Here are 2 activities to explore:

FAQs

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