How to Teach Your Child to Understand Zero and Place Value Foundations

The skill that explains why numbers behave the way they do. Your child learns that zero represents nothing and also holds a place that changes value, and that numbers are built by grouping ones into tens.

Zero and place value show up naturally when things disappear, get grouped, or get traded. Seeing this repeatedly is what makes numbers start to make sense.

This understanding is what makes two-digit numbers possible and supports addition and subtraction beyond counting by ones.

Before You Start

Your child should be able to count objects and recognize numbers up to 20.

If counting still feels inconsistent, spend more time there before focusing on tens.

5 Ways to Build This Skill Daily

Zero Hunt

Out running errands or waiting around? Start noticing zeros. On clocks. On prices. On house numbers. Ask, “What would that number be without the zero?” Kids quickly see that zero changes the value, not just the look, of a number.

The Disappearing Game

Have a small pile of snacks or toys? Count them together. Remove one at a time while counting down. When nothing is left, stop and say, “Now we have zero.” This makes zero concrete instead of abstract.

Snack Packs Tens

Heading up the stairs? Count one number per step. Coming down? Count backward. Pause halfway and ask what number comes next. Add hopping, stomping, or tiptoeing if energy is high. Stairs suddenly feel a lot more interesting.

Coin Trading Game

Dump out pennies. Count ten and trade them for a dime. Say it out loud: “Ten ones became one ten.” Keep trading. Trading makes place value feel logical instead of memorized.

When your child starts grouping objects into tens on their own or describes numbers as tens and ones without prompting, they are ready to move on.

When You Have Focused Time

Ten Frame Towers using Ten Frame Towers

Fill one ten frame completely before starting another. Build numbers and say them out loud. “Two full frames and three more is 23.” The full frames make tens easy to see.

Place Value Build It using Base Ten Blocks by hand2mind

Say a number like 23. Build it with two ten rods and three unit cubes. Count by tens, then by ones. Trade ten cubes for one rod. Build a number incorrectly on purpose and let your child correct it.

Helpful Resources

Here are resources that will reinforce your teaching in a fun, fresh manner.

Books

Tools (Manipulatives or Toys)

Bundling Station

C Sorting pencils, sticks, or straws? Bundle every ten together. Count bundles first, then leftovers. Kids quickly notice counting by tens is faster and start doing it without being asked.

What’s Next:

Once your child understands zero and can explain numbers using tens and ones, move on to Concept 4: Addition Within 10, where these ideas are used to solve simple addition problems.