L5 – WWW – Y2 Recognise the place value of each digit in a 2-digit number

Working Without Worksheets – Year 2 Lesson 5: Recognise Place Value in 2-Digit Numbers Help your Year 2 pupils build a secure understanding of place value with this Working Without Worksheets lesson pack. Instead of photocopied sheets, children learn to partition and represent 2-digit numbers using base ten equipment, place value charts, and digit cards, before recording their work directly in their maths books. The lesson begins with a starter sorting activity, where pupils compare numbers to 20 and notice differences in tens and ones digits. Children then move on to building numbers with base ten resources, describing how many tens and how many ones each number contains. Next, pupils explore numbers on a place value chart, linking concrete representations to written numerals. The independent task challenges pupils to select digit cards (1–100), build the number with base ten, and record the tens and ones in their books. The plenary consolidates understanding by discussing common misconceptions, such as whether more ones always makes a number greater. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full teacher planning with objectives, activities, and plenary guidance ✔ Starter activity: compare numbers below and above 20, focusing on tens digits ✔ Vocabulary focus: digit, place value, tens, ones, zero, placeholder ✔ Practical task: use base ten to build and partition numbers into tens and ones ✔ Represent numbers on a place value chart and record in books ✔ Independent task: pick digit cards and build at least 5 numbers with base ten, checking with a partner ✔ Plenary: reasoning about tens and ones, addressing misconceptions ✔ No worksheets—children record directly in their books Why Teachers Love This Resource: ✔ Hands-on, practical lesson using manipulatives ✔ Focuses on reasoning as well as fluency ✔ Includes key vocabulary and opportunities for discussion ✔ Worksheet-free: promotes independent recording in maths books ✔ Saves prep time with ready-made slides and planning Cur