We have examined place value through popsicle stick bundles, then dollar bills, & now place value discs. This progression from concrete to abstract concepts brings meaning to numbers. I wish I would have learned math this way!
It took forever to cut out all of these little dollar bills, but my students loved using them for place value activities & to practice money exchanges.
The kids were so excited to have earned a pj's & stuffy day for filling up our jar. I was so excited that they read to their stuffed animals for half an hour with barely a peep! π