Place Value Disks…Oh My!

Apr 17, 2015

Place Value Disks are non-proportional units used to further develop place value understanding.  Like money, the value of the disk is determined by the value printed on it, not by its size.Number disks are used by students through Grade 5 when modeling algorithms and as a support for mental math with very large whole numbers.  Whole number place value relationships modeled with the disks are easily generalized to decimal numbers and operations with decimals.

Place Value Disks (4 values)

Place Value Disks are great to have in any classroom. They can be used for place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even decimals!  They come in sets with disks up to four values (typically used for grades K-2), and sets with disks up to seven values, (typically used for grades 3-6).

Additional Resources

Not sure how to organize your disks (or strips)? Try this post!

Place Value Discs and Strips…Oh My! Tips for Organizing Your Manipulatives

Use your disks to help students visualize algorithms with our new place value board. featuring T-Pops! Read more in this post:

The New Face of Place Value – T-Pops!

If using place value disks is new to you, here are some videos to help you get started incorporating them into your instruction:

Check out this multiplication video: 

Check out this division video: 


Place Value (Number Disks with Place Value Charts) from EngageNY on Vimeo.

Check out this addition video: 

Check out this multiplying decimals video: 

We also have a great book that can help you explore this idea with your students.

Why Before How, by Jana Hazekamp.
Your students may know that 2×3=6, but do they know why? This book explains how to walk students step-by-step through each strategy, connect that approach to others, and build true mathematical understanding.
Why Before How

So now you’re interested! If it’s not in your budget to purchase any new materials, however, you’re in luck! You can download our FREEBIE of printable place value disks!

place value discs

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