- Definition
These are blocks or pieces that help your child understand how numbers are built, like how ten single blocks can make one "ten-block," and ten "ten-blocks" can make one "hundred-block." They show how the position of a digit in a number changes its value.
To show the number 123, you would use one hundreds flat, two tens rods, and three ones units.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Base ten materials are like Lego blocks where you snap ten little ones together to make a bigger stick, and ten sticks to make a flat square.
Ask your child: Can you show me the number 23 using these blocks?
Common mix-up: Kids might see these as just different shaped blocks for building. The key is that each bigger piece is always worth exactly ten of the next smaller piece.
Examples
- Trading ten ones units for one tens rod when adding numbers.
- Using two hundreds flats and five ones units to show the number 205.
base ten materials is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
