Ability to represent the place value of one, two, and three digit numbers using concrete materials and by drawing on using place value mats.

1.) Represent the place value of digits in one, two, and three digit numbers by writing digits in the appropriate columns of a place mat.

2.) Find the place value of digits in one, two, and three digit numbers using the FIND Strategy.

1.) This teaching plan links students’ concrete and representational/drawing experiences using a place value mat to place value at the abstract level. Initially, place value is taught at the abstract level with place value mats. The FIND Strategy is then taught to help your students transition from use of place value mats to determining place value without the use of place value mats.

2.) Strategies, such as the FIND Strategy, provide students with learning problems a memorable “plan of action” to use when first learning a skill at the abstract level. By having a “plan” to follow, students can practice independently. Multiple independent practice opportunities lead to mastery at the abstract level.

3.) The FIND Strategy must be explicitly taught through teacher modeling.