Counting to 100 or even 120 can be quite the task! When you get to this phase of math in your kindergarten and first grade classroom, it can be overwhelming for students. However, teaching with a hundreds chart can help your students see patterns in numbers.
Why Use a Hundreds Chart
Teaching with a hundreds chart is a great way to get students to think about the base ten number system because it is a visual aid. Hundreds charts make it easier for students to see patterns in the numbers they are working with.
This allows students to build a mental model of the chart. In turn, this mental model will help them with mental math and eventually higher-thinking math problems. For example, once you start doing addition and subtraction with numbers larger than 10, your students will be able to conceptualize the numbers.
Introducing a Hundreds Chart
When I first starting teaching with a hundreds chart, I make sure to go over the features. To begin, I will review what columns and rows are. While this might not be necessary for all students, it can be good to review. I like to use my arms and demonstrate that rows are across and columns are down.
Start at the Top When Teaching with a Hundreds Chart
After reviewing the basic features of the hundreds chart, I count the numbers in the top row to 10. Then, I point to the column that has 10 at the top of it and ask students, “What do you notice about this column?” If students need a hint, I might tell them there’s something the same about every number in the 10 column. Then we discuss how the 0 is in the 10’s place or the one’s place.
Counting By Tens
Once students understand the 0 is in the 10’s place or the 1’s place, we go down the column and count by 10’s. Many of my students get surprised by this which makes teaching with the hundreds chart so much more fun! I always remind them that this is a counting pattern or a growing pattern.
Expanding on the Hundreds Chart
Typically, I would stop with counting by tens with my kindergarten and first graders. However, with my second and third graders, I would also point out that 10+10 =20 and 10+20=30. Then, we would discuss the patten that emerges. Then, I move to the 1 column and point out that the number one had an 11 under it. We talk about how 10+1=11.
Using Math Manipulatives while Teaching with a Hundreds Chart
To reinforce learning, I like to bring in math manipulatives. So, to check that 10+1 really is 11, I have students use unfix cubes. I’ll have one student make a rod of 10 cubes. Then, I will have another student hold one other cubes. Then, we count the unfix cubes.
We do this activity a few times until it seems like everyone is understanding. Once everyone seems to start to understand, I will move to a different column like the 2 column and do the same process again.
Learning how to use the hundreds chart can be a huge advantage to students when it comes to math. The patterns that numbers offer can be incredibly helpful in learning how to add, subtract, and later multiply and divide. Teaching with the hundreds chart now is simply setting your students up for success in the future.
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