Place value within 100 - Introducing the 100 square - Presentation

The 100 square is an essential learning tool in the exploration of place value, especially for young students getting to grips with the concept of numbers up to 100. It presents a visual and structured way for children to understand numerical patterns and relationships. During the lesson, students are encouraged to discuss what they already know about a 100 square and how it can be utilised to assist with their mathematics. The square is laid out in a grid format with numbers from 1 to 100, providing a clear representation of sequence and numerical order. Activities are centred around identifying numbers within the square, understanding the grid layout, and recognising patterns, such as counting in tens and finding numbers that are one more or one less than a given number.

Through engaging with the 100 square, students are prompted to find specific numbers, such as fifty-eight or seventy-one, and discuss the patterns they observe, such as the incremental increase in the tens place as they move down each column. They are also tasked with describing these patterns to their peers to reinforce their understanding. The lesson includes exercises that focus on counting in tens, starting from ten and using tens frames to aid comprehension. Additionally, students are encouraged to use the 100 square to determine numbers that are one more or one less than a particular number, such as thirty-six, helping them to grasp the concept of adjacent numbers and their placement within the grid. Overall, the 100 square serves as a versatile tool for enhancing students' place value skills and numerical fluency.