Grade 2 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Understanding Place Value

Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 2 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Understanding Place Value

Materials Needed:
– Place value chart (hundreds, tens, units)
– Base-ten blocks or place value counters
– Whiteboard and markers
– Worksheets with place value exercises
– Interactive place value game (digital resource, if available)
– Place value flashcards

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of place value up to 100.
2. Identify the place value of any digit in a two-digit number.
3. Use base-ten blocks/counters to represent numbers visually.

Vocabulary:
1. Place Value: The value of a digit based on its position in a number.
2. Units: The digit in the ones place.
3. Tens: The digit in the tens place.
4. Hundreds: The digit in the hundreds place.
5. Digit: A single number (0-9) used to represent quantities.

Previous Learning:
Students have previously learned to count numbers up to 100 and can recognise one-digit and two-digit numbers. They have basic addition and subtraction skills.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
Challenge: Students may confuse the value of the digit with the number itself.
Solution: Use visual aids and hands-on activities to demonstrate how place value works.

  • Challenge: Struggling to grasp the concept of ‘zero’ as a placeholder.
    Solution: Incorporate examples and ensure thorough explanation using zero in different positions.

Beginning Activities: (4 minutes)
1. Introduce the lesson with a brief discussion on counting and recognising numbers.
2. Present the learning objectives to the class: understanding place value up to 100.
3. Ask a few students to share what they already know about place value.

Middle Activities: (32 minutes)
1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
– Use the place value chart to explain the positions (units, tens, hundreds).
– Demonstrate with examples, e.g., 53 has 5 tens and 3 units.
– Show visual representations using base-ten blocks/counters.

  1. Guided Practice (12 minutes):
  2. Distribute place value worksheets with a mix of exercises.
  3. Work through the first few problems with the whole class.
  4. Use place value flashcards for quick interactive quiz questions.
  5. Independent Practice (10 minutes):
  6. Allow students to complete the worksheet independently or in pairs.
  7. Circulate the room to provide support and check for understanding.
  8. Use interactive place value games (if available) for additional practice.

End Activities: (4 minutes)
1. Collect worksheets and review key concepts.
2. Conduct a quick ‘exit ticket’ activity where students must identify the place values in a given number (e.g., in ’74’, what is the value of 7 and 4?).

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observation during guided practice and independent work.
– Review of the worksheets for correct answers and understanding.
– Exit ticket responses to gauge individual student comprehension.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
For Struggling Students:
– Provide extra support with additional visual aids and manipulatives.
– Pair them with peers for cooperative learning.
– Use simplified numbers for initial practice.

  • For Advanced Students:
  • Introduce three-digit numbers for place value identification.
  • Provide challenging puzzles or problems requiring deeper understanding.

Teaching Notes:
– emphasise the significance of each digit’s position and ensure students understand why 5 in ’50’ is different from 5 in ‘5’.
– Incorporate technology tools like interactive games to engage learners and make the learning experience enjoyable.
– Adapt materials to ensure accessibility for all students, including those with visual or learning disabilities (e.g., larger print, braille, or audio resources where needed).


This lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching place value to Grade 2 students within the South African CAPS curriculum framework. Adjustments can be made based on classroom needs and available resources.