A student can look at the base-ten blocks, tap the right basketball, and make the shot. Then you ask them to write 17 and show what the 1 means. Choosing the number and explaining the digits are not the same skill.
This is common in first and second grade. A correct game answer can come from counting or recognizing the blocks. It does not yet show that the student can write the number and tell what each digit means.
The first move is not to play another round of the same questions. The first move is to have the student write the number and show what each digit means.
Why a correct game answer is not enough
In a place-value game, the student can count the tens and ones and choose a matching number. That answer can be right even if they have not written the number or explained the digits.
Writing the number asks for a second check. For 17, the student should be able to show that the 1 means one ten and the 7 means seven ones. If they can choose 17 but cannot show those parts, they still need practice with the written number, not only with selecting an answer.
Write the number, then show what each digit means
After a place-value round, pick one number the class just saw. Have the student write it. Point to one digit and ask what it means. Then have them show the tens and ones with blocks or a drawing, and match that model to the written number.
Keep the question small and the same each time: "What does this digit mean?" The student should point to the tens or the ones, not only reread the whole number.
Do not move on to a harder number until the written digits and the model match.
Check the same idea on paper
Use a practice page that asks the student to draw tens and ones and complete a sentence such as 17 = __ tens + __ ones. The page makes the same check visible: the written number and the parts have to agree.
A short routine can look like this:
- Play a short place-value round, or review one number with blocks.
- Write that number and show what each digit means.
- Complete a matching paper page at the same skill level.
- Check that the written number and the tens-and-ones model still match.
If the student can name the number but cannot show the tens and ones, stay with a smaller range. Use numbers to 20 before numbers to 50, and sit with them for the first item. Then let them try the next item with the same steps.
The worksheets can also be used without the game, in a small group or for independent practice. Choose the folder that matches the skill you have already taught.
Place-value pages that ask students to show the digits
The Math Hoops — Print & Practice pack includes 30 place-value worksheets, along with addition, subtraction, and mixed practice. The place-value folders are numbered by range: 1–20, 10–50, 10–99, 100–299, and 100–999. Pages include reading blocks and drawing tens and ones.
The free Math Hoops game is a separate activity. You can play it first and then print the matching skill folder, or use a worksheet on its own. Buying the print pack does not unlock the game; the game is already free.
FAQ
Why can my students choose the right answer in the game but still struggle to show what a digit means?
The game asks them to choose a number. Writing the number and showing what each digit means is a second job. A correct basketball answer does not yet show that the student can write 17 as 1 ten and 7 ones.
What should I ask after the game?
Have the student write the number. Point to one digit and ask what it means. Then have them show the tens and ones and check that the model matches the written number.
Do I have to use the game with the worksheets?
No. Each worksheet has fixed questions and can be used on its own. The game is a useful warm-up, and the matching folder gives paper practice for the same skill.
What if a student can say the number but cannot show the tens and ones?
Stay with a smaller range and go back to writing the number and building it. Ask what each digit means before you add more digits or a higher place-value level.
How do I choose a practice level?
Choose the folder that matches the skill you have already taught. If the student cannot yet show tens and ones in 17, do not move to numbers in the hundreds. The 4-page teacher print guide includes a folder map.