Hands-On Math: Base-Ten Blocks Course Micro Course

Turn abstract numbers into concrete understanding

This microcourse explores how base-ten blocks can make place value and operations concrete, visual, and meaningful for students. Participants will learn strategies for using base-ten blocks to help learners compose and decompose numbers, understand regrouping, and connect written algorithms to conceptual understanding. Through classroom examples and ready-to-use activities, educators will gain tools to strengthen students’ number sense, promote flexible thinking, and build lasting confidence with addition and subtraction.

Objectives: 

• Understand how base-ten blocks are a proportional model of our number system.
• Model whole numbers and decimal values using base-ten blocks to represent place value.
• Understand how to utilize the blocks to model addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Target Audience:

• Math teachers and Math coaches

Format:

• Self-paced eLearning course with interactive knowledge checks and real-world scenarios.
• The estimated time to take the course is 15 minutes.
• Downloadable Lesson plans to support student understanding of whole number addition and place value using base-ten blocks, geared towards 2nd and Common Core State Standard: 4.NBT.A.1, and can be adjusted to meet the needs of your students.
• A completion certificate is available after completing the course.