We have been working hard to build our understanding of place value.  The children have been practicing these skills in a number of ways.  One of these activities is Base Ten Exchange, and another is Target.  Both activities utilize the skills of exchanging tens for ones, or hundreds for tens.  We do this with base ten blocks.  The children have learned how to write base ten by using shorthand, and can practice these skills even without the blocks.  Having a solid understanding of place value will help the children when they start adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers.  We spent a lot of time playing these two games, and will continue to revisit them throughout the year.