Place Value Game Your Students Will Love

If you’re looking for a place value game that actually gets your students excited about math, this one is a must-try. It’s simple to set up, full of meaningful math talk, and best of all, your students will beg to play it again and again.

I first saw this game in another teacher’s classroom. Her students were actively engaged in discussing place value, solving problems together, and having fun while doing it. It wasn’t just a review. It was real thinking.

Of course, I had to try it with my own class. And spoiler alert: it worked like a charm. The best part? They didn’t even realize how much they were learning. They just thought they were playing a game.

How do you play the place value exchange game?

It’s simple, structured, and packed with meaningful math talk.

1. Put students into partner groups. You’ll be the banker.
2. Display a number like 342 for everyone to build.
3. Give each group four hundred mats (or enough to go over the number).
4. Partners need to build the number using hundreds, tens, and ones. They will have to decide how to exchange their four hundred mats for tens and ones in order to build this number.
5. One partner goes to the “banker” (you) to make their exchange and explains it aloud.
6. They return to their partner and build the number using what they received.
7. Students may need multiple trips to obtain the necessary pieces.
8. Swap roles and try a new number!

I’ve included a free printable version of the directions so you can drop it straight into your lesson plans! Once you see how much your students love it, you’ll want to play it again and again.

Why does this place value game work so well for teaching & reviewing place value?

What makes this game so effective is that it gets students thinking out loud and using math vocabulary in a meaningful way. As they decide how to break apart hundreds into tens or tens into ones, they’re building a stronger understanding of how numbers work. The physical act of exchanging blocks helps them visualize place value, while the conversations with their partner encourage reasoning and collaboration. Instead of passively completing a worksheet, they’re actively solving problems together—and they don’t even realize how much they’re learning. This kind of engaged, hands-on practice creates lasting connections that stick with them well beyond the activity.

Research shows that using games in teaching increases student participation, fosters social skills, and motivates students to take risks—making math both meaningful and joyful for learners.  In case your principal has questions about using this game, show them this article.

FAQs

Q: Why do students exchange only one block at a time?
A: Having students exchange one piece at a time keeps the line to the banker moving quickly. It also gives both partners multiple chances to speak, think, and take ownership of the math.

Q: What if students ask for the wrong exchange?
A: That’s part of the learning! Instead of correcting them right away, ask guiding questions like, “How many tens do you need to make 100?” This builds reasoning and deeper understanding.

Q: Do I need actual base ten blocks to make this work?
A: Physical blocks are ideal, but printable mats or even hand-drawn visuals can work in a pinch. The key is that students can manipulate and trade pieces to build the number.

Q: How long does this game take to play?
A: You can play a full round in about 10–15 minutes. It makes a great warm-up before your main math lesson or a quick review activity at the end of the day.

Want to take this further?
I created the Place Value Game Show to reinforce the same place value concepts. It’s ideal for a whole group review before assessing students.

---

About the Author

Hi, I’m Rissa — a former upper elementary teacher and now a full-time curriculum creator. I design no-fluff, high-impact resources for 3rd–5th grade teachers who want to save time and feel confident in what they’re teaching. I’ve spent years creating reading, math, and social studies lessons that are meaningful, manageable, and ready when you need them most.

---