Lesson Buffet

Introduction

Write about six different numbers with up to three digits on the board (can be altered depending on grade level and ability) and ask children to read the numbers aloud together as you point. Discuss hundred, tens and units and what position these are in a number.
Ask children to sit in a circle. The teacher demonstrates how to make these numbers using bundled ice-pole sticks (units, bundles of ten, and bundle of 100 - or you could use MAB).
Model the number 2, then write the number 12 and ask 'Does the extra 1 mean we add one ice-pole stick or one bundle of sticks?' Model how to make 102 and explain in terms of using units, tens and hundreds.

Activity:

Provide each child with a place value chart with unit, tens and hundreds (alternatively students can draw these in their books).The teacher rolls the dice and students watch what number is rolled and decide whether this should go in the units, tens or hundreds column to create the highest number possible of three rolls of a die. The teacher rolls the dice again and students now have the choose which column they should place it in of the two columns remaining. The teacher rolls the dice for the final time and students must place this in the remaining column. Ask students what the highest number possible was and those students that had this number win.
After the first round discuss strategies children used in deciding where they placed the numbers to obtain the highest number.
Repeat for making the smallest number.