Place Value Pocket

📝 This post, Place Value Pocket,  was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with new information and resources.

I am always looking for new tools to help students with place value — and interactive tools are even better! A while back, I created our Place Value Flip Book, which has been super helpful, but I wanted something where students could move the numbers to see place value change in real time. So I created this Place Value Pocket — and it has become one of my favorite classroom tools!

Why Place Value Matters

Place value is one of the most foundational math concepts students learn. Understanding that the position of a digit determines its value is essential for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and beyond. The more hands-on and visual the practice, the better!

Why the Place Value Pocket Works

✔️Allows students to manipulate numbers
✔️ Provides a visual representation of place value
✔️ Allows for hands-on practice with place value
✔️ Supports learning in the classroom or home
✔️ Can be used to support struggling learners and challenge others
✔️ Reusable and durable when printed on card stock

Materials needed:

✔️templates
✔️scissors
✔️stapler

Preparing the Place Value Pocket

Print the templates. 

Print at least 2 copies of the number cards for each child, then cut them out. I recommend using card stock for durability.

Cut out the pocket template as shown in the image.

Fold the pocket as shown in the photos. You will have a total of 3 folds when you are done.

Staple all the pieces together along the lines and edges, except for the last piece, which will act as the stand for the pocket.

Your place value pocket is now complete and ready to use.

📝 NOTE: This prep is a lot for one teacher to do. I always have my students do the cutting themselves. It is cutting, organizing, and cleaning up practice!

Using the Place Value Pocket 

Now that your place value pockets are assembled, they are ready to use! Here are some ideas for using the place value pocket:

📝 Note: These games can be played individually or with multiple players. Players can use only the ones and tens place, the ones, tens, and hundreds place, or use all four places, depending on their learning level.

💡Create a Number:  Decide if you want to create the biggest or smallest number possible. Lay all the number cards face down on the table. The first player chooses a card and places it in either the ones, tens, hundreds, or thousands place.  Player two then does the same. Players continue choosing cards until all four places are filled. The student with the biggest (or smallest) number wins.

💡Make a Number: Similar to the Create a Number game, but instead of choosing one card at a time, each partner takes four cards and has to create a number secretly before showing it to a partner. The player with the higher or lower number wins.

💡Read a Number: Have one partner create a number, and the other partner has to read it correctly.

💡 Write the Number: Call out a number and have students create it in their place value pocket. Then have them write it on a whiteboard or paper. Great for connecting the concrete to the abstract!

The Place Value Pocket is one of those tools that, once you make it, you will use it again and again!

To get your Place Value Pocket templates, click here.

How would you use a Place Value Pocket in your classroom or at home?  Share your ideas in the comments below!

Looking for More Place Value Resources?

Fun and Easy Place Value Robots with Free Templates

FREE Place Value Primer for Teachers and Parents

Place Value Counting Strips: A Learning Tool for Place Value