Reading and Writing Large Numbers

Purpose

To gain fluency with reading and writing large numbers up to hundred thousands.

Materials

Whiteboards, scratch paper, pencils

Overview

Begin by writing a 5-digit number on the board. Ask a student to read the number. Then write a 6-digit number, and again ask a student to say the number aloud. Next, say a 5- or 6-digit number, and invite a student to write the number on the board. Continue writing and saying numbers quickly, calling on students to read or write the numbers. As a variation, have students use pieces of scratch paper or mini whiteboards to write the numbers you say. Then everyone can hold up their papers or boards to show their answers.

About the sequence

Part 1 has students say in unison the 5 or 6-digit number written on the board, with volunteers who write numbers that are read aloud. Part 2 asks students to write down the 5 and 6-digit number called out. Students can hold up boards/papers together to share responses. The extension progresses to include naming the place value for each digit in a large number.

Part 1

Let’s say each of the numbers written on the board as one voice. Then, volunteers can come up to the board and write the numbers we say aloud.

Examples:

27,400
420,000
102,400
8,580
59,712
236,790
698,349

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

Now, we’ll switch roles. I’ll say a 5 or 6-digit number aloud and you write the number on your scratch paper/whiteboard. When I say, GO, hold up your boards.

Examples:

10,000
23,000
42,800
154,640
888,888
72,007

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

This time we’ll name the specific place value of each digit in the 5–6 digit numbers written on the board. If I say 76,102, what is the value of the 7 digit (or point to the digit) in this number?

Example: 479,521

What is the value of the 4 digit? (400,00)
What digit is in the ten-thousands place? (7)
What is the value of the 9 digit? (9,000)
What digit is in the hundreds place? (5)
What is the value of the 2 digit? (20)