Hi
February 25

Learning how to say, read and write Big numbers

Reading numbers like this  830 150 753 is a challenge, so where do we start?

Well knowing place value helps. That is looking at the value of a digit and knowing what it is worth by the position in the number.

We have been having a lot of fun learning how to better understand place value. We have learnt the first four places – Thousand Hundred Ten One then we played a game using playing cards. In pairs each player would flip a card and place it in one of those positions. The aim was to make the highest number. The winner was the one who could win five times.

I love it when they explain their mathematical strategies while they are playing, it helps us with our thinking. I reckon sharing how you do work is very helpful to others and ourselves.

This was a great warm up place value activity, then it came to writing these big numbers. First thing we did was to make our own set of arrow cards. These were colour coded for each place value. It took a while to cut everything, but it was worth it.

Go team one

Love the concentration team five

Way to go team three great modelling for others

Once that job was done we could make lots of four digit numbers. So randomly choosing one of each colour, we made 4 digit numbers.

But that’s not all.. No, we learnt that there were three ways you could record a number.  Check this out..

Anita has built the number 7762 with the cards she randomly chose, she can write it 3 ways

  1. Standard Form 7762
  2. Expanded Form 7000 + 700 + 60 + 2
  3. Written Form seven thousand seven hundred and sixty two

Look at them go..

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Using the arrow cards made a lot of sense to us. We could clearly see where the numerals needed to go to make the standard form and when it came to expanding the number, it was easy to read. Once we could read it, it was easy to write what we said… but we had to check our spelling for accuracy.

We’re not experts yet, but we have a made a great start to becoming one.

Something to think about.

What did you think of the place value card game?

What could you do to try to win the game?

Is it better to go first or second?

How do you feel about place value after using the arrow cards?

What confuses you with big numbers?

What do you still need to learn?

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Posted February 25, 2017 by elleneisenkolb15 in category Integrated Tasks, Maths/Numeracy, Team work

61 thoughts on “Learning how to say, read and write Big numbers

  1. Anonymous

    Hi lucy i saw your message but i didn’t see Anita’s new avatar i’m curious, but i know that Anita has a older sister that used to go to grange and to make it even more a mystery Anita’s sister named Sarina used to be in Ellen’s class so i’m guessing Sarina went on the blog and she figured out how to change her avatar so Sarina must of talt Anita how to do it but nobody knows how to do it and me, Muenge, you and whoever would like to join so what do you say we will solve this mystery.

    Reply
  2. Muenge

    Dear Ellen,
    I’ve been making up my own science experiments at home my first experiment was lipstick pencils and my second one is sparkly pen but I cant bring the things at school cause I havn’t bought the things yet
    From Muenge

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hi Muenge,
      That does sound fascinating is it something you could teach the class?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
      1. Phoebe

        Hi Ellen
        on Saturday I had my tennis presentation for a competition I did! I got two gold medals, a drink bottle and a fan! There was a toy kangaroo and the organiser had to pick a name out of the hat and one of my oldest cousins name came out so he gave it to me I was delighted! He even gave me a tennis racket bag. My mum said that I could bring my two medals! I am allowed to bring my kangaroo in. P.S my kangaroos name is William named after Serena Williams. From the tennis superstar Phoebe Mansfield!

        Reply
        1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

          Congratulations Phoebe,
          Wow, what a great Saturday you must have had. I had no idea you were such a talented tennis player. Well come to think of it, I shouldn’t be surprised, you work hard at everything you do, so if tennis is your sport I should expect this. Still, you must have put in a huge amount of effort to achieve all those medals. That’s what hard work does in the end. I think it would be a great idea to share your success and display those medals. So are you aiming for more tennis competitions? I suppose winter stops this sport as it is usually a summer activity. Do you have a winter sport?
          Perhaps we have more champions in our class we should investigate this. Remind me. Well I am impressed.
          Best wishes Phoebe.
          Cheers Ellen

          Reply
  3. Anonymous

    Ciao Ellen
    so you ask me what have I learnt about chess I think it’s a great game, well what I have learnt about chess is that I think I know where to put all of the characters from the game of chess i
    hope you have a good day
    from Montana.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Montana,
      I think you need to remind me to get the class chess set out. Then you could have a go at moving the pieces too. Does anyone in your family play?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  4. Jett

    Dear Ellen
    like the flip in the morning it is fun did you make the game up or did someone ells make it up from Jett.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hello Jett,
      No I didn’t make up the game I went to a teachers meeting and someone taught me . I thought it was great so I taught you. It really helps with thinking don’t you think?
      How fast can you go? Have you started to 8 yet?
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  5. phoebe

    Xin ciao Ellen
    I like the game flip because it helps us with our number facts! Did you make up the game flip or did someone else give you the idea? I love having you as a teacher because you do so much good games! My mum also likes you as a teacher but I don’t know why. I think it’s because you teach us great things and that your maths is great! My maths is way better than last year because now I can say the answers real quick

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hello Phoebe,
      No I didn’t make up the game I learnt it from a maths teacher at a meeting.I wish I had learnt it a long time ago it would have helped a lot of people with their facts. How fast can you go? Try to 8 now or then your tables.
      Have fun Ellen

      Reply
  6. Muenge

    Abari Ellen,
    I was wondering if I could show the class a something well it’s a science experiment that I made up or I can talk a bit of countries
    From muenge

    Reply
  7. Anonymous

    Privet Ellen
    Hi Ellen I realy love chess with Allen it is lots of fun but I’m sad that Friday was our last lesion . I am not very good at chess. But I love chess.Scarlett.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Scarlett, I’m sure you’d get better the more you practice. I think it’s time to get out our chess sets and play Friday afternoon. Allan is good isn’t he? Does anyone in your family play chess?
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  8. Muenge

    Jumbo Ellen,
    I don’t think I can teach the class some languages because I need the computer at my house and it’s broken I have no idea of what to do
    From Muenge

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Howdy Muenge,
      That is unfortunate to hear, that’s why you haven’t been on the blog. Why do you need the computer to teach?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  9. phobe

    Yak sher mash Ellen
    I really like the chess! I like it because I didn’t know how to play it but now I am getting really good! Thank you for letting us do it. At what age did you learn how to play chess?(well do you know how to play chess?) From Phoebe

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hi Phoebe,
      I’m glad you have enjoyed the chess lessons Allan does a great job teaching us don’t you think? Well I do know how to play. I would think that I don’t play very well. While I know how all the pieces move I get caught a lot so perhaps I need to think more deeply. Anyway my husband is a chess camp so I never play against him so I don’t get much practice. Have you challenged anyone in your household?
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  10. Margo

    Yak sher mash Ellen
    I really like the chess! I like it because I didn’t know how to play it but know I’m getting better at it! Thank you for letting us do it. At what age did you learn how to play chess?(well do you know how to play chess?) From Margo

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hello Margo,
      Good to hear you have enjoyed the chess lessons.I reckon I didn’t learn chess till I was in high school but by then I was frightened off by all the smart kids. I know now that taking a risk is better, but not back then, so I didn’t have a go as I always lost! I think its wonderful the you all get to learn. Have you played with your family yet?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  11. Muenge

    Dear Natalie
    you’re are great friend. I really enjoyed the playdate your family makes the best playdates ever!
    It’s great to have you in my class because you’re the best at cheering up people and you make a lot of fun
    From
    Muenge

    Reply
  12. Anonymous

    G’day Ellen
    I enjoy the class blog! How did you do it? I also enjoy morning math because it helps us with our number facts to 10! I’m wanting to do division and multiplication because I’m not so good at it. Today I started to do my 20s in flip and I got 24! Hopefully I will get into my 40s with it! All the best wishes for 2017! Thank you from Phoebe

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Phoebe,
      Good to read your thoughtful comments, you are getting the hang of blogging. You could certainly practice your division and multiplication fact with flip two you just have to pick a table next challenge yourself when the card is flipped. I thought you’d be fast with facts to 20. You could do to 30 if you wanted. There’s no stopping you really.
      You go girl.
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  13. Anonymous

    Hola Ellen,
    I’m sorry I was not here on Monday I had a very high temp . but I am glad to be back. I hope I can catch up on my spelling. Scarlett.

    Reply
  14. Anonymous

    Dear Ellen how are you i just wanted to say to you you that i love being in year three i feel very grown up, i also like art and i myself use to go to art school,and i am an italian

    Reply
  15. Sabitri

    Hodz Vodz Ellen

    I really liked playing flip I think I’m really good at it I set a goal who’s is at lest do the pack two times
    And to be a champion at the math game I think you have to know your numbers pretty well and you should always pay attention when it’s your opponents turn so you know a higher number you have to get.

    From Sabitri

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hello Sabitri,
      You certainly have figured out some useful strategies.I love that you are setting goals to strengthen your skills even more. I think it may be time for you to challenge yourself to the facts to 20. Do you think you will get just as fast? Why not try over the weekend.
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  16. Muenge

    Abar Ellen,
    Yes I would like to teach the class how to speak different langueges but I am still up to german.
    I have no idea of how to win the p.v.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Meuenge,
      Great answer to my comment. I like the way you connected with the questions. why don’t you start by writing some signs in the other languages. Make them clear and easy to read. As formats give it a think how would you explain to someone how they should place the cards to get the best number. what did you think of the MaB activities today?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  17. Margo

    HI Ellen!
    l like you been our teacher because you teach us a lot

    Thank you for being a amazing teacher.

    Thanks Margo

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hi Margo,
      thanks for your kind words it’s easy to be nice when I have such wonderful students, so keep it coming I love the team work. Do you like the literacy block activities?
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  18. sophie

    Dear Ellen I enjoyed the place value game because I won fore times against Blake . Blake only won one time that was my first go at it. I really enjoyed it from Sophie

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Dear Sophie,
      Well Im glad you do like maths it is fun with games. Of course winning feels good too. You must have been thinking very carefully to win that many times. What did you do?
      regards Ellen

      Reply
  19. Emily

    Dear Ellen I think the class blog is excellent and I love the card game do you? So my strategy
    is to put the highest number in the thousands so now the number is higher than the others.

    from Emily

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Emily,
      Thanks for the blog feedback, keep checking it because I will try to keep putting up our learning for everyone to see. I like your maths thinking that certainly makes a great deal of sense. Very logical professor Barber. Is there anything in maths the tricks you up? I think the morning maths is helping your facts do you think so? What can you do to speed up your answers? Have you practiced at home?
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  20. Lachlan

    Dear Ellen I liked the place value game it was fun because I won four times. I have never played it before. Do you know any other place value games?

    from Lachlan.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hey Lachlan,
      Glad you had a lot of fun playing that game. I thought you made great decisions with your card placement. way to go. I’m sure we can find more exciting place value activities. What did you think of the game today?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  21. Jovan

    Dear Ellen I enjoyed the place value game because I won five times vs Charlotte. Charlotte won just one time and that was the first game.
    From JOVAN.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Dear Jovan,
      Well you must be a great strategist, to win so many times. Did you share your thinking with Charlotte? Perhaps she needs to watch you closely. What were you doing so that you could win? How do you feel about flip to 20 instead of 10? I’m sure you would be an ace.
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
  22. Anonymous

    Dear Ellen I loved the place value game.It was really fun working with the four digit numbers I only won about two or three games.And I love playing with the cards for maths. I think maths is fun.Thank you Ellen.from Scarlett.

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hola Scarlett,
      I can see you getting quite fast with your number facts, the morning maths is certainly great practice for you. I thought you’d like four digit game. What do you have to do to win? Have you played it wit your family yet? Sometimes we learn a lot from playing. What are you learning from the card game? Would you like more games?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  23. Muenge

    Bonjour Ellen,
    I really like place value game. I want to teach my little brother it but I’m not sure if we could take it home are we aloud to take it home?. In the place value games I’ve only lost one game I’m getting better at it but my partner always does a good job. I really enjoy your class and blog.
    Are we going to learn more languages?. I always bring my languege book at school itv is ripped but I still use.
    have fun from Munge

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Hello Muenge,
      I can see no reason why you couldn’t play the game with your brother. Do you have a pack of cards at home and a dice? Perhaps I have a spare set you could borrow. We learn Japanese and that’s all the languages we have time for but as we are learning more greetings that’s a start. Perhaps you should write some signs in you language and teach us. You do know quite a lot. I am learning German. Which language do you want to learn next?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
  24. Margo

    privet Ellen
    it is better to go first because you get to pick the fist card! l reckon the place value is medium because it is good for are class maths!When l get 9 it can go in the thousands spot. when l get 2 l put it in the ones spot when l get 8 l put it in the hundreds spot. If l get a 6 l will put it in the tens spot.

    thanks Margo

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      It Kanis Margo,
      I like your mathematical thinking, that strategy makes a lot of sense indeed. Did yo have any tricky cards come up? I thought you did well in your facts this morning what do you think you could do to increase your cards number after a minute? I’d love to test you again in a weeks time and see the difference. All the best for your gymnastics competition I know you’ll do your best.
      Warm wishes Ellen

      Reply
  25. Anonymous

    privet Ellen
    it is better to go first because you can choose the first card! i reckon the place value is great for our learning in maths for place value! when I get a 9 it is the highest number because we had to take out the tens so i put it in the thousands spot and if i get an 1 i put it at the end. and I normaly just go highest to lowest with the numbers. Thanks from Phoebe

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Howdy Phoebe,
      I think your strategy makes a lot of sense, do you think your partner also thinks like you do? What happens when your guess don’t work? Do you guess? Do you take a chance? What are you learning from playing that game? Would you rather play games or do other work in maths?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
      1. Anonymous

        hod vodz Ellen
        I don’t mind what we do in maths because all of it helps us learn better with numbers! When my guess don’t work I look at my oppenents number and put my card where it would make a higher number! I am so happy that I am in your class because you are the best year three teacher I could ask for! are we going to do more of the thousands hundred tens and ones game? From Phoebe

        Reply
        1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

          Hi Phoebe,
          What a fabulous attitude to have with maths you need to share that around. Thanks for your kind words we are having a good time so far. Yes of course we will do more with maths we’re only getting started. What are you wanting to do? I think you should start to work on facts to 20 for flip.that may be a challenge for you eh.
          Regards Ellen

          Reply
  26. Cleo

    Hello Rm 14

    Goodness me they are some big numbers we have been learning about. I really liked playing the Place Value card game,it was great fun because you didn’t know who won and you didn’t know what or where to put the numbers, because you didn’t know what the other person was going to pick up. I feel very confident about Place Value because I have learnt a lot about it last year mostly everyday.

    From Cleo

    Reply
  27. Sabitri

    Ti Kanis Rm 14

    I really like playing this game because I like to estimate the higher numbers,
    I think I would go second because you know which number you have to beat.

    From Sabitri

    Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Howdy Sabitri,
      I’m glad you are enjoying working with big numbers. I think I understand your strategy and why coming second is a good option. Does it always pay off? Does anything else need to be considered? So to be a champion at this game what should you do?
      Oh and way to go today all 40 cards in one minute, you are a number fact wiz. You go girl.
      Cheers Ellen

      Reply
    1. elleneisenkolb15 (Post author)

      Greetings Lucy,
      Now if we work together, think together and act together, then perhaps you could help Erica learn how to do things? How would you do that?
      Regards Ellen

      Reply
    1. Muemge

      Lucy who knows
      nobody does we just need to find out of course not Anita shes the one who knows how to do it.
      solving mystery Muenge

      Reply

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