Printable Place Value Chart and Activity Ideas 4th 5th Grade

 Making Decimal Place Value Stick with Engaging Activities

Decimals can be a tricky concept for our students to grasp, especially when we’re asking them to think beyond whole numbers and into the realms of tenths, hundredths, and beyond. I remember when I first started teaching decimals—it was a challenge to make the learning experience engaging and meaningful for my students. But over time, I found a few strategies that really helped the concept click.

Before we begin with some fun activities, please click HERE to receive a free decimal place value anchor chart.

(Printable PDF format)

Place Value Teaching Ideas for 4th and 5th Grade Students:

• Use Real-World Examples: 

When teaching decimals, I found that connecting the concept to real-life scenarios really made a difference. For example, discussing money is a fantastic way to show students how decimals are used in everyday life. You can set up a classroom store, where students have to add up prices with decimal points, or even organize a mock bank where they deposit and withdraw money.

• Interactive Place Value Charts: 

I used to create large, interactive place value charts that the students could physically manipulate. It’s one thing to see the numbers on paper, but when they can physically move a "1" from the tenths column to the hundredths column, it makes a big difference.

• Math Journals:

Have your students keep math journals where they write down what they’ve learned about decimals each day. Encourage them to include drawings and examples, and ask them to write about how they’ve seen decimals used in their everyday lives. This reflection helps solidify their understanding.

• Differentiated Instruction: 

One thing I’ve learned is the importance of differentiation. Not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. For students who struggle, I might start with a concrete approach, using manipulatives like base-ten blocks to physically represent the decimal values. For my more advanced students, I challenge them with tasks that involve decimal place values in more complex, real-world scenarios, like calculating discounts during a mock shopping activity.

• Peer Teaching: 

I’ve seen great success with peer teaching. Pairing up students—where one has a firm grasp on decimals and the other is still learning—can be incredibly effective. The student who understands the concept well can reinforce their own learning by teaching it to someone else, and the student who needs help gets a different perspective on the material.

• Visual Aids and Anchor Charts: 

Creating visual aids like anchor charts can help students remember the key concepts. I always keep an anchor chart on the wall that breaks down place values and includes examples of how decimals work in real life. This way, students have a visual reference they can check whenever they’re stuck.

How to Teacher Money Concepts to Grades 1, 2, and 3

Top Questions Teachers Ask About Teaching Kids to Count Money

Today we are going to review an FAQ for teaching money standards to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students.

Before you read all of the questions and answers below, please click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

Essential FAQs for teaching money to students:

1. How can I help my students differentiate between the different coins?

• Students often struggle to recognize and distinguish between coins like nickels and dimes. What strategies can I use to make sure they can identify each coin correctly?

2.  What’s the best way to teach students to count mixed coins, especially when they  get confused switching between different values?

• My students often lose track when counting a mix of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. How can I help them stay organized and confident when counting various coin combinations?

3.  How can I make counting coins more engaging for my students?

• My students sometimes find counting coins tedious. What activities or games can I use to make the process more fun and interactive?

4.  What should I do if my students are struggling with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s?

• Some of my students aren’t yet comfortable counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s, which makes counting coins difficult. How can I reinforce these counting skills in a way that connects with money?

5.  How can I incorporate real-life scenarios into teaching coin combinations?

• I want my students to understand how these skills apply outside the classroom. What are some effective ways to use real-world examples to teach them how to count and use coins?

Teaching tips and strategies for elementary teachers:

1. How can I help my students differentiate between the different coins?

• Start by introducing each coin individually, focusing on its size, color, and the images on both sides. Use coin sorting activities where students separate coins into groups based on these characteristics. Visual aids, such as anchor charts or posters, can reinforce the differences between coins. Additionally, engage students in hands-on activities like rubbing crayons over coins on paper to highlight their distinct features. Regular practice and repetition are key to helping students confidently identify each coin.

2.  What’s the best way to teach students to count mixed coins, especially when they get confused switching between different values?

• Begin by teaching students to count each type of coin separately, starting with the highest value (quarters) and moving to the lowest (pennies). Once they’re comfortable, introduce mixed coin combinations, emphasizing the strategy of counting in groups—first quarters, then dimes, nickels, and finally pennies. Using number lines or coin value charts can help students visualize the counting process. Practice with real-life scenarios, like making change or counting out money for a purchase, can also solidify their understanding.

3.  How can I make counting coins more engaging for my students?

• Turn coin counting into a game to make it more fun and interactive. Activities like “Coin Bingo,” where students match amounts of money to their bingo cards, or a “Classroom Store,” where they use coins to buy and sell items, can make learning more dynamic. Incorporate technology by using educational apps that focus on money skills. Additionally, integrating music or rhymes that involve counting coins can make the learning process more memorable and enjoyable for students.

4.  What should I do if my students are struggling with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s?

• If students are having trouble with skip counting, start by reinforcing these skills without using coins. Use number lines, skip-counting songs, or visual aids like counting charts to help students become more comfortable with counting by 5s, 10s, and 25s. Once they’ve mastered these, gradually introduce coins back into the equation. Practice counting groups of nickels, dimes, and quarters separately before mixing them. Consistent practice and a gradual increase in complexity can help students build confidence and accuracy.

5.  How can I incorporate real-life scenarios into teaching coin combinations?

• Use everyday activities that students can relate to, like setting up a classroom store where they can “buy” and “sell” items using coins. You can also create mock shopping experiences with grocery store flyers, where students practice counting out the exact change for different items. Field trips to local stores or inviting guest speakers to discuss how they use money in their jobs can also provide practical, real-world context. These scenarios make counting coins more relevant and show students the value of these skills in their daily lives.

In this blog post, I’ve gathered some common questions teachers ask about teaching money skills to young students, along with practical tips to make the process easier and more engaging. Whether you're helping students recognize coins or making counting more fun, these strategies are designed to support you in the classroom. I hope you find these ideas helpful as you guide your students in learning to count money.

Please check out these free printable counting money activities and worksheets:

1. Free Counting Money Task Cards

Students love playing games with task cards. You could have a scavenger hunt or play a game of SCOOT. You will also receive 20 activity ideas.

2. Free Counting Money Cut and Paste Worksheets

Your students will have fun counting money with these free cut and paste math worksheets. Pair them with some manipulatives for hands-on learning.

Please click HERE to see math resources in my Amazon Associate store.

Please click HERE to view my Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

How Do You Teach Kids in 1st 2nd 3rd Grade to count

Tips for Effectively Teaching Students in Grades 1-3 to Identify and Count Money

Teaching young students to identify and count money is an essential skill that lays the foundation for financial literacy. Here are some effective tips for first, second, and third grade teachers to help their students master coin and dollar identification and counting. They are also perfect for students with special education needs.

Before you read all of the tips below, please click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

1. Start with Coin Identification

First Grade:

• Introduce Coins One at a Time: Start with the penny, then gradually introduce the nickel, dime, and quarter. Use real coins and large images to help students recognize each coin's unique features.

• Create a Coin Chart: Display a classroom chart showing each coin, its name, and its value. Refer to this chart frequently.

• Hands-On Activities: Use sorting and matching activities where students group coins by type and match them to their corresponding images and values.

Second Grade:

• Review and Reinforce: Begin the year by reviewing the coins introduced in first grade. Use flashcards and interactive games to reinforce recognition.

• Coin Rubbings: Have students create rubbings of coins using crayons and paper. This helps them notice the details and distinguish between different coins.

• Interactive Books and Apps: Utilize educational books and apps focused on money identification to provide a multimedia approach to learning.

Third Grade:

• Detailed Comparisons: Teach students to compare and contrast coins, focusing on size, color, and inscriptions. This helps them distinguish between coins like the dime and the penny.

• Money Bingo: Play games like Money Bingo where students must identify and mark off coins based on their names and values.

• Coin Identification Worksheets: Use worksheets that challenge students to identify coins based on descriptions and images.

2. Teach Counting with Coins

First Grade:

• Counting by 1s and 5s: Start with counting by 1s using pennies. Once students are comfortable, introduce nickels and practice counting by 5s.

• Coin Counting Mats: Use mats with spaces for placing specific numbers of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. This visual aid helps students understand the value of each coin.

• Simple Transactions: Set up a classroom store where students can "buy" items with pennies and nickels. This practical activity helps them apply counting skills in a real-world context.

Second Grade:

• Skip Counting: Practice skip counting by 10s with dimes and by 25s with quarters. Use number lines and charts to support this skill.

• Coin Combinations: Challenge students to make specific amounts using different combinations of coins. For example, "Make 15 cents using two coins."

• Interactive Games: Use online games and apps that focus on counting money to provide interactive practice.

Third Grade:

• Mixed Coin Counting: Introduce counting mixed coins, combining pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters to reach a total amount.

• Counting Money Worksheets: Provide worksheets that include word problems and scenarios where students must count different combinations of coins to solve.

• Classroom Market: Create a more complex classroom market where students use a mix of coins to "purchase" items, helping them practice making change and counting larger sums.

3. Introduce Dollar Bills

First Grade:

• Introducing Dollar Bills: Begin with the $1 bill. Show its size, color, and features compared to coins.

• Matching Activities: Use activities where students match coins to their equivalent dollar amount (e.g., 100 pennies to $1 bill).

• Simple Addition: Teach students to add up coins to reach a dollar. Use visuals to show how many of each coin make up $1.

Second Grade:

• Dollar Equivalents: Introduce $5, $10, and $20 bills. Discuss their values and how they relate to coins (e.g., 5 $1 bills equal a $5 bill).

• Counting with Bills: Practice counting with dollar bills and combining them with coins to reach specific amounts.

• Role-Playing: Use role-playing scenarios where students use dollar bills in transactions, reinforcing the concept of exchanging money.

Third Grade:

• Making Change: Teach students how to make change for transactions involving dollar bills and coins. Use role-playing and real-life scenarios.

• Advanced Counting: Practice counting larger sums of money using a combination of coins and dollar bills. Provide word problems that involve multi-step counting.

• Money Math: Integrate money counting with math lessons, using money as a context for addition, subtraction, and problem-solving activities.

4. Free Downloadable Resource

Don't forget to click HERE to receive a free US coins anchor chart.

YouTube Videos

Money Song

Pencil Rubbing

Interactive Game Demonstration

5. Conclusion

Teaching money identification and counting to young students can be fun and engaging with the right strategies and activities. By starting with basic coin identification, progressing to counting skills, and eventually introducing dollar bills, you can build a solid foundation for your students' financial literacy.

For more resources and printable activities to support your money counting lessons, check out my Counting Money Bundle. 

Happy teaching!

Please take a peek at my Amazon Associate store to see top-selling teacher resources.

Click HERE to view my Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

Why are Some Students Better at Math?

Why Are Some Students Better at Math? Spoiler Alert: They Aren’t!

Before we dive into the myths, I’d like to offer you a free checklist to help foster a growth mindset in math for your students. This checklist is packed with practical strategies you can use right away to build resilience, confidence, and a love for learning in every math lesson.

As teachers, we hear it all the time: “Some students are just good at math, and some aren’t.” But the truth? It’s a myth! There’s no special math gene that separates “math people” from everyone else. Every student can succeed in math with the right approach, support, and mindset.

Let’s break down some of the biggest myths about math that can hold students back—and explore how we, as teachers, can help students overcome them.

Myth #1: Math Is All About Memorization

Reality: Sure, memorizing basic facts is helpful, but it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Real math learning is about building a deep understanding of concepts, developing problem-solving skills, and encouraging critical thinking. When we focus only on memorization, we’re missing out on helping students think flexibly and creatively with numbers.

Myth #2: There’s Only One Right Way to Solve a Math Problem

Reality: Math is full of possibilities, and there are often multiple ways to solve a problem! When we show students different approaches, we’re giving them tools to find solutions in a way that makes sense to them. Embracing variety in problem-solving not only builds confidence but also makes math more accessible for all students.

Myth #3: Speed Matters More Than Understanding

Reality: Racing through problems may feel efficient, but it often leads to shallow understanding. In math, quality beats speed. Encouraging students to slow down, explore, and really understand the “why” behind the answer helps them learn for the long term. Plus, they’ll be less likely to feel defeated when the problems get more challenging.

Myth #4: Some Students Are Just Naturally “Good” at Math

Reality: I’ll admit, I used to believe this one too. But every student has the potential to be successful in math with the right support. Research shows that math ability isn’t a fixed trait—it grows with effort, perseverance, and quality instruction. When we help our students see math as a skill they can develop, they’re more likely to stick with it, even when it’s tough.

As a special education teacher, I saw firsthand how powerful this shift can be. When students know that math success isn’t about natural talent but about growth, they start to believe in their own potential.

Myth #5: Math Should Be Taught Separately from Other Subjects

Reality: Math doesn’t live in isolation! Connecting math to other subjects and real-life contexts helps students see its relevance. From measuring ingredients in a recipe to calculating distances on a map, math is everywhere. Integrating math into other lessons gives students a broader perspective and helps them recognize the role math plays in their daily lives.

Myth #6: Memorizing Algorithms Is More Important Than Understanding Concepts

Reality: Algorithms are helpful, but understanding why they work is essential. When students understand the “why” behind a process, they can apply their knowledge flexibly and solve unfamiliar problems with confidence. Instead of rushing through steps, encourage students to dig into the underlying concepts—they’ll be much better equipped to tackle challenging questions in the future.

Myth #7: Mistakes in Math Are Failures

Reality: This might be one of the hardest myths to bust! Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning. When students see mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks, they build resilience. Teaching them that mistakes are expected—and even celebrated—helps them develop a growth mindset that serves them well beyond the math classroom.

I want to dig a little deeper on myth #4.

This myth perpetuates the idea that mathematical ability is an inherent trait that some students possess while others do not. It suggests that success in math is predetermined by factors such as genetics or innate talent, leading to a fixed mindset where students believe they are either "good" or "bad" at math based on their perceived natural abilities.

However, research in the field of education and psychology has consistently shown that mathematical ability is not fixed and can be developed over time with the right support and instruction. While some students may initially find certain math concepts challenging, this does not mean they are incapable of mastering them.

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology titled "The Role of Instructional Support in Students' Developing Mathematical Understanding" by Boaler and Staples (2008) found that providing students with appropriate instructional support significantly improved their mathematical understanding and performance.

 Another study published in the Journal of Research in Mathematics Education titled "Supporting Students' Development of Measurement Concept through Spatial Reasoning Activities" by Verschaffel et al. (2009) demonstrated how targeted instructional activities can enhance students' understanding of mathematical concepts, such as measurement.

Additionally, research by Dweck (2006) on mindset theory emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, which encourages them to believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work rather than being fixed traits. This mindset has been shown to positively impact students' mathematical performance and attitudes towards learning.

Believing in students' abilities and providing them with the necessary support and instruction is key to helping them succeed in math.

Helping Every Student Thrive in Math

Our job as educators isn’t just to teach math; it’s to build confidence, foster curiosity, and create a space where all students can grow. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

Encourage a Growth Mindset: 

Remind students that abilities aren’t fixed. Learning math is a journey, and everyone improves with time and practice.

Differentiate Instruction: 

Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Providing various activities, teaching styles, and tools helps reach all learners.

Celebrate Progress: 

Find moments to celebrate effort and progress—no matter how small. This builds confidence and reinforces the idea that everyone can succeed.

Provide Extra Support: 
Whether it’s one-on-one time, peer tutoring, or extra resources, students benefit from the chance to get a little extra help when they need it. We all learn at different paces, and it’s okay to ask for support.


1. 

By letting go of these myths, we’re not only helping our students see math differently; we’re creating an inclusive classroom where every child feels capable and valued. So, let’s keep showing them that math isn’t just for a select few. With the right mindset and tools, everyone can thrive in math!

Encouraging our students to believe in themselves and in their ability to learn will create confident, resilient learners ready to tackle any math problem that comes their way. Let’s break the myths and build up a love for math together!

Please take a peek at my Amazon Associate store to see top-selling teacher resources.

Click HERE to view our Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!

Empower Your Love of Teaching With Awesome Free Math Resources!

Teaching elementary math is an exhilarating journey, but it's not without its hurdles. From ensuring our students grasp fundamental concepts to fostering a love for math, we face a multitude of challenges. Fear not, though, because I'm here to guide you through overcoming these obstacles with the help of supplemental math resources.

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Picture this: you're in the midst of a math lesson, and you notice some students zoning out or struggling to stay focused. Sound familiar? Engaging young minds in math can be a real challenge, especially with traditional teaching methods.

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One of the biggest hurdles in teaching elementary math is bridging the gap between foundational concepts and more complex material. It's all too common to find students struggling to grasp new concepts because they haven't fully mastered the basics.

Solution: My resources are your roadmap to concept mastery. I've meticulously broken down complex topics into bite-sized chunks, providing clear explanations, step-by-step examples, and plenty of practice opportunities. Whether it's fractions, geometry, or multiplication, my resources ensure every student builds a solid foundation in math.

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Time is our most valuable resource in the classroom, and wasting it on inefficient planning or rushed lessons is simply not an option. But with so much to cover and so little time, how can we make the most of every minute?

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Assessment is a vital component of effective teaching, but finding the right tools to gauge student understanding can be a challenge. How can we ensure our assessments are comprehensive, insightful, and effective?

Solution: My resources offer a comprehensive suite of assessment tools designed to make tracking student progress a breeze. From quizzes and tests to performance tasks and exit tickets, these resources provide invaluable insights into student learning. With detailed analytics and customizable assessments, you can pinpoint areas for improvement, provide targeted support, and celebrate student success like never before.

Teaching elementary math may have its challenges, but with the right resources and strategies, we can conquer them all. My math resources are your trusted ally in the quest for math mastery, offering engaging activities, comprehensive lessons, and effective assessments to ensure every student thrives. Ready to elevate your math instruction? Let's embark on this journey together.

To see all of my free math teaching resources, please

Click HERE to view our Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find great resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!