This activity is a great and enjoyable method for children to understand units and tens using visual aids. By grouping objects into sets of ten and counting the remaining ones, kids will see how numbers are built and grasp the value of each digit in a number. The best part? It turns something abstract into a fun and visual learning experience!
Instructions: Children must count the items and group them into tens. We increase the difficulty level by disorganizing the objects and creating irregular groups. To finish, they must add the tens + units to find the total number of objects in each group.
It’s a simple exercise but requires concentration to form the groups of tens.
Place Value: Kids will learn that the tens digit is much more than just a number—it’s ten times bigger than a unit, which is essential for understanding larger numbers.
Visual Reasoning: Counting objects helps children visualize how tens and units work, strengthening their ability to grasp mathematical concepts more intuitively.
Preparation for Math Operations: This exercise lays the groundwork for addition and subtraction, as grouping tens helps kids see how numbers are organized for easier calculations.
Teaching Tips:
Tell a story: Children will be more motivated if we ask them how many rockets landed on the moon, or how many hamburgers they have eaten. By making mathematics hands-on and visual, children learn and enjoy the process – and the best part is that they will be more prepared for future mathematical challenges!
