ABSTRACT
Second-grade place value is extremely important. It not only solidifies initial understandings from kindergarten and first grade, it also teaches new standards so that by the end of second grade students in most states have been introduced to 15 to 17 topics on place value. Researchers have found that a strong understanding of place value has a positive impact on later mathematics achievement. Place value should be interwoven throughout the year, and it should stay up as a workstation center. The author emphasizes that teachers should use not only place value blocks but also rekenreks, beaded number lines, base ten paper, and sketches. Adding 2-digit numbers is tricky. Students have a lot of difficulty when they are rushed to the algorithm. Comparing 3-digit numbers takes time. Students should use the base ten blocks and actually match them up to see what has more and what has less and how much more and less.
