Teaching place value is one of those foundational skills that makes everything else in math click. Helping students break down and understand numbers through the millions place can be a game-changer for their confidence and skills. This lesson plan walks you through my favorite way to teach expanded form numbers up to seven digits. It’s interactive, hands-on, and, best of all, fun! Plus, you can grab the complete resource as a download to make planning a breeze.
Step 1: Introduce and Demonstrate Expanded Form Numbers
Start by writing a 7-digit number where all students can see it. For example, let’s use 5,326,408.
- Read the Number Together: Have students practice reading the number aloud. Remind them that place value helps us see how big numbers are built from smaller parts.
- Relate to Smaller Numbers: Compare this big number to a smaller one, like 425. Show them how 425 breaks into expanded form: 400 + 20 + 5.
- Break Down the Big Number: Demonstrate expanded form for your 7-digit number. Write the digit in the largest place and fill in the places behind it with zeros. For example:
- 5,326,408 becomes 5,000,000 + 300,000 + 20,000 + 6,000 + 400 + 8.
- Numbers with Zeros: Highlight examples that include zeros in a place value, such as 4,030,105. Emphasize that we skip over the place with a zero when writing expanded form numbers but keep it in mind. Also show them how to do the reverse by taking expanded form numbers and writing them in standard form–this is where those zero places can get a little tricky!
Step 2: Use a Place Value Pocket Chart for Visual Support
Struggling learners? No problem! A place value pocket chart can work wonders.
- Set It Up: Have students write 0 on the back of all the number cards.
- Step-by-Step Expanded Form Numbers: To break a number into expanded form, students keep the first digit facing forward and turn all other cards to the “0” side. This creates the first number in the expanded form equation.
- Build the Number: One by one, students flip each card back to the number side to create the next part of the expanded form numbers equation.
- Hands-On Practice: Let students take turns using the chart to practice breaking down numbers.
Step 3: Small Group Practice for Expanded Form Numbers
Put students in groups of 3-5 for collaborative learning.
- Card Game: Provide each group with a stack of number cards (face down).
- Take Turns: One student draws a card, shows it to the group, and everyone writes the number in expanded form secretly.
- Reveal and Compare: Once everyone is ready, they reveal their answers. Group members discuss and coach anyone with an incorrect answer until everyone agrees on the correct solution.
- Rotate Roles: Switch leaders so everyone gets a chance to guide the group.
Step 4: Journal Activity – “Unpack the Numbers”
Give students an opportunity to organize their learning in their math journals.
- Set Up: Provide students with this free interactive notebook page titled “Unpack the Numbers” with three long rectangle pieces.
- Write and Fold: Students write numbers in expanded form on the pieces, then accordion-fold them so only the standard number is visible on top.
- Glue It Down: Use a small amount of glue on the tab to attach the folded pieces into their notebooks.
Step 5: Partner Game – “Zero the Hero”
This fun game reinforces the concept while adding an element of competition.
- Materials: Students use 7 place value dice (or place value cards if dice aren’t available).
- Roll and Record: Students roll the dice to form a 7-digit number and record it in both expanded and standard form.
- Add a Spinner: Use a spinner to determine which place value will earn points for the round. For example, if the spinner lands on the “hundreds” place, students earn points based on the value of the hundreds digit in their number.
- Play and Strategize: Continue playing for several rounds and see who scores the most points.
Step 6: Independent Practice – Worksheet
Wrap up the lesson with a worksheet to check for understanding.
- Assign a worksheet where students practice writing expanded form numbers.
- Review their work to identify areas for reteaching or additional support.
Why This Lesson Works
This place value lesson is hands-on, collaborative, and engaging. It builds student confidence by scaffolding the concept and providing multiple ways to practice. Whether it’s through small group games, journal activities, or visual supports like pocket charts, students are sure to master numbers through the millions place in expanded form.
Ready to make planning even easier? Download the full lesson plan for expanded form numbers and resources today! Your students will love unpacking the magic of numbers, and you’ll love watching their skills soar. Looking for even more value when it comes to place value? You can download a whole unit perfect for 4th graders from the Curious Classroom Adventures webstore.
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