Base ten blocks are an essential tool in the elementary school classroom, particularly in the lower grades. They can be used to teach a variety of math concepts, from counting and place value to addition and subtraction. But what are base ten blocks, exactly? And how do you use them?
What Are Base Ten Blocks?
Base ten blocks are a set of manipulatives that represent numbers in a concrete, visual way. They consist of cubes (units), longs (tens), flats (hundreds), and blocks (thousands). Each type of block represents a place value in the base ten number system.
For example, if we want to represent the number 426, we would use four blocks to represent the thousands place, two flats to represent the hundreds place, and six longs to represent the tens place. Finally, we would use six units to represent the ones place.
How to Use Base Ten Blocks
Base ten blocks can be used to teach a variety of math concepts, from counting and place value to addition and subtraction. Here are a few ideas:
1. Counting
Young children often struggle with counting accurately. Base ten blocks can help make counting more concrete and visual.
For example, you could give a child a few units (cubes) and ask them to count them out loud. Then you could give them a long (ten) to add to the pile and ask them to count again. Finally, you could give them a flat (hundred) to add to the pile and ask them to count once more.
This activity can help children see that ten units make a long, and ten longs make a flat.
2. Place Value
Base ten blocks are particularly useful for teaching place value. You can use them to show children that a number in the tens place is ten times greater than the same digit in the ones place. The same is true for the hundreds, thousands, and so on.
To demonstrate this, you could ask a child to build a number using base ten blocks. Then you could ask them to identify the value of each block (unit, long, flat, or block) and write out the number in standard form.
3. Addition
Base ten blocks can also be used to teach addition. This can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with regrouping (carrying) when adding larger numbers.
To teach addition with base ten blocks, you could start by building two numbers using the blocks. Then, you could stack the blocks on top of each other to show how regrouping works.
4. Subtraction
Base ten blocks can also be used to teach subtraction. This can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with borrowing when subtracting larger numbers.
To teach subtraction with base ten blocks, you could start by building two numbers using the blocks. Then, you could remove blocks from the second number to show how borrowing works.
Printable Base Ten Blocks
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate base ten blocks into your classroom, but don’t have a set of physical manipulatives, don’t worry! There are plenty of printable base ten blocks available online.
One option is to simply print out a set of base ten block graphics, like those pictured above. You can then cut out the blocks and use them as manipulatives in your classroom.
Another option is to use a digital manipulative, like the virtual base ten blocks available on Math Playground. These digital manipulatives allow students to drag and drop base ten blocks on a computer or tablet screen.
Final Thoughts
Base ten blocks are an essential tool for teaching math concepts in the elementary school classroom. They can help make abstract concepts more concrete and visual, and they’re a great way to engage students who might be struggling with traditional math instruction.
So whether you’re a classroom teacher, a homeschooling parent, or just someone who wants to brush up on some basic math skills, consider incorporating base ten blocks into your instruction. You might be surprised at how much your students (or you!) can learn from this simple tool.
