
Teaching Place Value to Fifth Graders
One of the hardest concepts to teach in fifth grade is the value of places. See the standard below.
5.NBT.1 Recognize that in a multi-digit number, a digit in one place represents 10 times as much as it represents in the place to its right and 1/10 of what it represents in the place to its left.
This standard takes the previously taught fourth grade standard a bit deeper. Understanding this standard is really important as it prepares students to understand the meaning of exponents.
Standard to review before you teach 5.NBT.1:
4.NBT.1 Recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right.
-prepares students for understanding how numbers can increase (and decrease) by 10 and 1/10
This back to school place value review can help you review the fourth grade concepts while preparing students’ thinking for the fifth grade standard. Students will look at the value of an underlined and circle digit and will compare how much smaller/larger they are.

This skill practice sheet is a great way for students to review this fourth grade math skill and prepare them for understanding 5.NBT.1. (Grab it for free down below!)