Lesson Plan
Place Value Power-Up
Students will build mastery of three-digit place value (ones, tens, hundreds) and apply this understanding to solve addition and subtraction problems using hands-on manipulatives and targeted strategies.
Strong place value understanding is the foundation for efficient computation and problem solving. Targeted Tier 3 support builds student confidence, strengthens number sense, and prepares for grade-level math.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on manipulatives with guided practice.
Materials
Place Value Manipulatives Kit, * Place Value Practice Worksheet, * Addition & Subtraction Quick Check, * Dry-Erase Board and Marker, and * Pencils and Eraser
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Locate and assemble the Place Value Manipulatives Kit.
- Print enough copies of the Place Value Practice Worksheet and the Addition & Subtraction Quick Check.
- Set up student workspace with a dry-erase board, marker, pencils, and eraser.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet student and review counting by ones, tens, and hundreds aloud.
- Prompt student to build specific numbers (e.g., 47, 132) using the Place Value Manipulatives Kit.
- Ask: “How many tens? How many ones?” to reinforce digit roles.
Step 2
Direct Instruction
10 minutes
- Model representing a three-digit number (e.g., 256) with manipulatives: 2 hundreds blocks, 5 tens rods, 6 ones cubes.
- Demonstrate adding two numbers (e.g., 134 + 57) by combining like blocks and regrouping when ones exceed 10.
- Show subtraction with borrowing (e.g., 203 − 58) by exchanging a tens rod for 10 ones.
- Verbally walk through each step, highlighting place-value relationships.
Step 3
Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Provide student with 3–4 addition/subtraction problems on the Place Value Practice Worksheet.
- Have student use manipulatives to solve each problem, writing numerical equations next to their models.
- Offer targeted prompts: “What happens when you have more than 9 ones?” or “How can you exchange one ten?”
- Correct misunderstandings immediately and reinforce terminology (ones, tens, hundreds).
Step 4
Independent Practice
10 minutes
- Student completes remaining problems on the Place Value Practice Worksheet independently using manipulatives as needed.
- Teacher circulates, observing strategies and noting errors for reteaching.
- Encourage student to explain thinking aloud.
Step 5
Formative Assessment
5 minutes
- Administer the Addition & Subtraction Quick Check.
- Review responses with the student, highlighting correct strategies and addressing any persistent errors.
- Provide specific praise (e.g., “Great job regrouping your tens!”) and note next steps for future support.
Lesson Plan
Place Value Power-Up
Students will master three-digit place value (ones, tens, hundreds) and apply this understanding to solve addition and subtraction problems using manipulatives in a focused 45-minute session.
Strong place-value skills underpin efficient computation and future math success. Targeted Tier 3 support closes gaps, builds number sense, and boosts confidence for grade-level work.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on manipulatives with guided and independent practice.
Materials
- Place Value Manipulatives Kit, * Place Value Practice Worksheet, * Addition & Subtraction Quick Check, * Dry-Erase Board and Marker, and * Pencils and Eraser
Prep
Gather Materials and Prepare Workspace
10 minutes
- Locate and assemble the Place Value Manipulatives Kit.
- Print enough copies of the Place Value Practice Worksheet and the Addition & Subtraction Quick Check.
- Set up the student’s workspace with a dry-erase board, marker, pencils, and eraser.
- Review the practice problems to anticipate areas of difficulty.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet the student and review counting by ones, tens, and hundreds aloud.
- Prompt the student to build specific numbers (e.g., 47, 132) using the Place Value Manipulatives Kit.
- Ask questions like “How many tens? How many ones?” to reinforce digit roles.
Step 2
Direct Instruction
10 minutes
- Model representing a three-digit number (e.g., 256) with manipulatives: 2 hundreds blocks, 5 tens rods, 6 ones cubes.
- Demonstrate addition (e.g., 134 + 57) by combining like blocks and regrouping when ones exceed 9.
- Show subtraction with borrowing (e.g., 203 − 58) by exchanging a ten-rod for 10 ones.
- Verbally walk through each step, highlighting place-value relationships.
Step 3
Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Provide the student with 3–4 addition/subtraction problems on the Place Value Practice Worksheet.
- Have the student use manipulatives to solve each, writing numerical equations next to their models.
- Offer prompts: “What happens when you have more than 9 ones?” or “How can you exchange one ten?”
- Correct misunderstandings immediately and reinforce terminology (ones, tens, hundreds).
Step 4
Independent Practice
10 minutes
- Student completes remaining problems on the Place Value Practice Worksheet independently, using manipulatives as needed.
- Teacher observes strategies, noting errors for reteaching.
- Encourage the student to explain their thinking aloud.
Step 5
Formative Assessment
5 minutes
- Administer the Addition & Subtraction Quick Check.
- Review responses with the student, praising correct strategies and addressing any persistent errors.
- Provide targeted feedback (e.g., “Great regrouping of tens!”) and note next steps for ongoing support.
Slide Deck
Place Value Power-Up
- 45-Minute Tier 3 Support Session
- 3rd Grade Math
- Focus: Ones, Tens, Hundreds
Welcome the student and introduce today’s goal: strengthen understanding of ones, tens, and hundreds to build confidence in addition and subtraction.
Warm-Up
- Review counting by ones, tens, and hundreds aloud
- Build numbers (e.g., 47, 132) using Place Value Manipulatives Kit
- Ask: “How many tens? How many ones?”
Lead a brief review of counting by ones, tens, and hundreds. Have the student physically build numbers to reinforce digit roles.
Direct Instruction
- Represent 256: 2 hundreds blocks, 5 tens rods, 6 ones cubes
- Addition (134 + 57): combine like blocks and regroup when ones > 9
- Subtraction (203 − 58): borrow a ten (exchange 1 ten-rod for 10 ones)
- Highlight how place-value relationships guide each step
Model each step slowly. Emphasize how blocks represent place value and how regrouping works.
Guided Practice
- Solve 3–4 problems on Place Value Practice Worksheet using manipulatives
- Write numerical equations next to each model
- Prompts: “What happens when you have more than 9 ones?” “How can you exchange one ten?”
- Reinforce terms: ones, tens, hundreds
Work side-by-side with the student. Use probing questions to uncover misunderstandings and reinforce terminology.
Independent Practice
- Complete remaining problems on Place Value Practice Worksheet independently
- Use manipulatives as needed
- Explain thinking aloud for each problem
Encourage the student to work independently and explain their thinking. Observe and note any recurring errors.
Formative Assessment
- Administer Addition & Subtraction Quick Check
- Review responses together
- Praise correct strategies (e.g., “Great regrouping!”)
- Address errors and note next steps for support
Quickly assess mastery. Provide specific praise and identify next steps.
Next Steps
- Practice representing numbers with objects daily
- Create your own addition/subtraction problems and solve with manipulatives
- Ask for help whenever you need extra support
Celebrate progress and encourage ongoing practice.
Worksheet
Place Value Practice Worksheet
Use your Place Value Manipulatives Kit and this worksheet to practice representing numbers and solving addition/subtraction problems. Draw the blocks (H = hundreds, T = tens, O = ones) where needed, and write your answers in the spaces provided.
1. Represent the Number
1a. Number: 482. Draw and label the blocks to show hundreds, tens, and ones below.
How many hundreds? ________ How many tens? ________ How many ones? ________
1b. Number: 305. Draw and label the blocks below.
How many hundreds? ________ How many tens? ________ How many ones? ________
2. Write in Expanded Form
2a. 365 = ________________________________________
2b. 209 = ________________________________________
2c. 134 = ________________________________________
3. Addition with Manipulatives
3a. 127 + 68
- Draw your H, T, and O blocks to show each number and the combined model:
- Write the numeric equation and answer: _______________
3b. 246 + 57
- Draw the blocks and then write the equation: _______________
4. Subtraction with Manipulatives
4a. 312 − 79
- Use your blocks to solve, drawing any exchanges (borrowing) you make:
- Write the equation and answer: _______________
4b. 405 − 296
- Draw your model and show any exchanges:
- Write the equation and answer: _______________
5. Create Your Own Number
Choose a three-digit number.
- Draw the H, T, and O blocks to represent your number:
- Write the number in digits: ___________ and in words: ____________________________________
Great work! Be ready to use these skills in our quick check next.
Activity
Addition & Subtraction Quick Check
Use your Place Value Manipulatives Kit to show your thinking. Draw, calculate, and explain each answer below.
1. 134 + 68
Draw place-value blocks to model this addition:
Equation and answer: __________________________
Explanation:
2. 256 − 79
Draw place-value blocks to model this subtraction (show any exchanges):
Equation and answer: __________________________
Explanation:
3. 189 + 47
Draw place-value blocks to model this addition:
Equation and answer: __________________________
Explanation:
4. 407 − 298
Draw place-value blocks to model this subtraction (show any exchanges):
Equation and answer: __________________________
Explanation:
5. 312 + 289
Draw place-value blocks to model this addition:
Equation and answer: __________________________
Explanation:
Good work! Review your models and explanations to check your understanding.
Rubric
Place Value Rubric
Use this rubric to evaluate student work on representing three-digit numbers, solving addition and subtraction problems with place-value blocks, and explaining their thinking.
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Representation Accuracy | - Draws and labels all hundreds, tens, and ones blocks correctly without errors. | - Drawings show correct hundreds, tens, and ones with only one minor error (e.g., miscounted one block). | - Drawings show some correct groupings but multiple errors indicate partial misunderstanding of place value. | - Drawings are incomplete or inaccurate; indicates struggle representing place-value groups. |
| Computation Accuracy | - Solves all addition and subtraction problems correctly, including proper regrouping/borrowing steps. | - Solves most problems correctly; one minor computational mistake but clear understanding of regrouping/borrowing. | - Solves some problems correctly; errors in regrouping or subtraction/addition indicate emerging skills. | - Many computational errors; does not demonstrate understanding of regrouping or place-value operations. |
| Mathematical Explanation | - Provides detailed, step-by-step explanations for each problem using clear place-value reasoning (e.g., “I exchanged 1 ten for 10 ones…”). | - Explanations describe most steps clearly, with occasional missing detail or minor clarity issues. | - Explanations are vague or incomplete; student attempts to describe steps but with limited reasoning or missing key ideas. | - Provides no or incorrect explanation; reasoning is unclear or unrelated to place-value concepts. |
| Use of Place-Value Vocabulary | - Uses terms (hundreds, tens, ones, regroup, borrow, exchange) accurately and confidently throughout all work. | - Uses most vocabulary correctly; occasional omission or slight misuse does not hinder understanding. | - Uses limited vocabulary; some correct terms but inconsistent or often omitted. | - Does not use or misuses key place-value terms; vocabulary is absent or inaccurate. |
Scoring Guide:
- 16 – 14 points: Mastery of place-value concepts and operations
- 13 – 10 points: Proficient with minor errors
- 9 – 6 points: Developing; requires additional practice
- 5 – 4 points: Beginning; needs targeted reteaching and support
Project Guide
Place Value Manipulatives Kit
Use this kit in your Place Value Power-Up activities to build, add, and subtract three-digit numbers visually.
Materials:
- 10 Hundreds Flats (10×10 squares, each = 100)
- 20 Tens Rods (each = 10)
- 50 Ones Cubes (each = 1)
- Place-Value Mat (columns labeled: Hundreds │ Tens │ Ones)
- Instruction Card (exchange chart and quick tips)
- Storage Tray or Box
How to Use:
- Building Numbers (Any Problem)
- Lay out the mat.
- Count out flats, rods, and cubes to match each digit of a three-digit number.
- Place each block in the correct column (H, T, O).
- Addition (Regrouping)
- Represent each addend separately on the mat.
- Combine like blocks in each column.
- Whenever you have 10 ones, exchange them for 1 ten-rod; whenever you have 10 tens, exchange them for 1 hundred flat.
- Subtraction (Borrowing)
- Start with the minuend representation.
- If you need more ones or tens than you have, borrow by exchanging 1 ten-rod for 10 ones or 1 hundred flat for 10 tens.
- Show each exchange on the mat and record it on the instruction card to track your steps.
- Practice Exchanges
- Use the exchange chart on the instruction card to guide regrouping and borrowing.
- Encourage explaining each exchange step aloud as you work.
- Cleanup and Organization
- Return all blocks to the storage tray when finished.
- Keep the instruction card handy for reference in future sessions.
Script
Place Value Power-Up Script
Materials Ready (Before Session)
Teacher sets up: Place Value Manipulatives Kit, dry-erase board & marker, pencils, eraser, one copy of Place Value Practice Worksheet and Addition & Subtraction Quick Check.
1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Teacher: “Hi, [Student Name]! Welcome to our Place Value Power-Up. Today we are going to be place-value detectives and explore hundreds, tens, and ones. First, let’s practice counting by ones, tens, and hundreds out loud together. Ready?”
(Pause while student responds)
Teacher: “Great! Let’s count by ones: 1, 2, 3… up to 20.”
(Pause for counting)
Teacher: “Now count by tens: 10, 20, 30… up to 100.”
(Pause)
Teacher: “Finally, count by hundreds: 100, 200, 300.”
(Pause)
Teacher: “Awesome! Now, I want you to build the number 47 using these blocks.”
[Teacher hands student the manipulatives]
Teacher: “How many tens rods will you use? And how many ones cubes?”
- If student hesitates: Teacher: “What digit is in the tens place of 47? That tells you how many tens rods.”
- Confirm: “Exactly—4 tens rods and 7 ones cubes. Well done!”
Teacher: “Next, build 132. How many hundreds? Tens? Ones?”
- If student counts wrong: Teacher: “Let’s look at each digit. The first digit is 1—how many hundreds?”
- Celebrate correct: “Perfect—1 hundred flat, 3 tens rods, 2 ones cubes!”
2. Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
Teacher: “Now I’ll show you how to represent a three-digit number and solve addition and subtraction problems. Watch me build 256.”
[Teacher places 2 hundreds flats, 5 tens rods, 6 ones cubes on the mat]
Teacher: “We have 2 hundreds, 5 tens, and 6 ones. If I ask, ‘How many tens rods do I have?’ you can say, ‘5 tens.’”
Addition Demo
Teacher: “Let’s add 134 + 57. First, build 134.”
[Builds 1 hundred, 3 tens, 4 ones]
Teacher: “Now build 57.”
[Builds 5 tens, 7 ones]
Teacher: “Combine the ones: 4 ones plus 7 ones equals 11 ones. That’s more than 9, so we exchange 10 ones for 1 ten rod. Now we have 1 leftover one cube and we add 1 ten to the tens column.”
[Shows exchange]
Teacher: “Then combine tens: 3 + 5 + 1 (from the exchange) = 9 tens. So the answer is 191. 134 + 57 = 191.”
Subtraction Demo
Teacher: “Now, 203 − 58. Build 203.”
[Builds 2 hundreds, 0 tens, 3 ones]
Teacher: “We need to subtract 8 ones, but we only have 3 ones. So we borrow 1 ten: exchange 1 ten for 10 ones. But we have no tens, so first exchange 1 hundred for 10 tens, then exchange 1 ten for 10 ones. Now we have 1 hundred, 9 tens, 13 ones. Subtract 8 ones → 5 ones left. Subtract 5 tens from 9 tens → 4 tens. Hundreds stay 1. The answer is 145.”
Teacher: “See how place value guides each step?”
3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)
Teacher: “Now it’s your turn. Open your Place Value Practice Worksheet to problem 3a: 127 + 68. Let’s work together.”
Teacher: “Step 1: How will you build 127? Tell me how many hundreds, tens, and ones.”
- If student responds correctly, proceed. If not: “Look at the first digit of 127.”
Teacher: “Great—now build 68. Next, combine the ones. How many ones total?”
- If student says 15: “Right—15 ones. What do we do when we have more than 9 ones?”
(Student: “Exchange 10 ones for 1 ten rod.”)
Teacher: “Excellent! Carry that ten rod to the tens column.”
Teacher: “Finally, count the tens. What is our final answer?”
(Pause for student to compute)
Teacher: “Well done! 127 + 68 = 195.”
Teacher: “Let’s try problem 3b in the same way. Remember to talk me through each step.”
(Repeat prompts as needed for error correction)
4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)
Teacher: “Now you’ll finish the rest of the problems on the worksheet by yourself. Use your manipulatives and write your equations next to your models. I’ll watch and ask questions if you seem stuck.”
(Teacher circulates, listens for misunderstandings, offers quick hints: “What could you exchange here?” or “How many tens do you have now?”)
5. Formative Assessment (5 minutes)
Teacher: “You’ve done great work. Let’s do a quick check. Here’s your Addition & Subtraction Quick Check. Show your thinking with blocks, draw your models, write each equation, and explain your steps.”
(Pause while student works)
Teacher: “Tell me, how did you get your answer for question 1: 134 + 68?”
(Student explains)
Teacher: “That explanation is clear—I like how you said, ‘I exchanged 10 ones for 1 ten.’ Well done!”
Teacher: “For question 2, I noticed you borrowed correctly. Great job!”
If errors persist: Teacher: “Let’s revisit that subtraction model. How many ones did you start with? What happens if you don’t have enough? Let’s exchange one tens rod.”
6. Next Steps & Praise (Remaining Time)
Teacher: “You did awesome today! You’re building strong place-value skills. Keep practicing by choosing any three-digit number at home, drawing it, and saying how many hundreds, tens, and ones. You can also create your own addition or subtraction problems and solve them with your blocks. Remember, if you ever need help, just ask!”
Teacher: “High five for all your hard work today—place-value power unlocked!”
(End of session)