Encourage students to build number sense and deepen their understanding of place value with the interactive and engaging Building 3 & 4 Digit Numbers resource. This spinner-based game is perfect for reinforcing the structure of numbers and giving students meaningful practice with identifying the value of digits in different places.

Using a spinner and place value mat, students create 3- or 4-digit numbers by recording digits in the correct columns. With each spin, they’ll consider where to place the digit to create the largest number possible—making every turn a strategic challenge. This game format is not only educational but also highly motivating and accessible to a variety of learning styles.

Whether used in small groups, one-on-one sessions, or as part of your numeracy rotations, the Building 3 & 4 Digit Numbers activity offers flexibility, reusability, and differentiation. The included mini game boards and worksheets provide options for both hands-on and written components, allowing you to tailor the activity to suit different learning goals and classroom routines.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand the structure of 3- and 4-digit numbers
• ✅ Identify and place digits in the correct place value column
• ✅ Develop number comparison strategies using greater than/less than concepts
• ✅ Strengthen mental computation and strategic decision-making
• ✅ Build fluency in reading, writing, and ordering large numbers

What’s Included:

• Full-page place value game boards
• Compact, smaller game board options for quick play
• Digit spinner templates
• Printable worksheets for follow-up tasks
• Clear instructions for classroom implementation

Materials Needed:

• Printed game boards and spinner templates (paper or card)
• Paper clips and pencils for creating spinners
• Dry-erase markers and write-and-wipe sleeves (optional for reusability)
• Student worksheets (for consolidation or assessment)

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the spinner and game boards ahead of the session.
2. Explain to students that the goal is to create the largest number possible.
3. Students spin the spinner and record the digit in the ones, tens, hundreds, or thousands column.
4. Once all columns are filled, students compare their numbers with a partner or group.
5. The player with the highest number wins that round.
6. Repeat as desired, encouraging students to justify their number placement strategies.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as part of your place value maths rotations.
• 💡 Assign the worksheet component as a formative assessment task.
• 💡 Adapt for early finishers or enrichment groups using 4-digit numbers.
• 💡 Create a classroom competition with a running leaderboard for engagement.
• 💡 Encourage peer discussion about why certain digit placements result in higher values.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate game boards and spinner templates to use them year after year.
• 💛 Pair lower-ability students with a partner to provide additional scaffolding.
• 💛 Introduce vocabulary such as "place," "value," "largest," and "digit" throughout the activity.

The Building 3 & 4 Digit Numbers game is a valuable addition to your numeracy toolkit, making place value practice strategic, hands-on, and full of number sense learning opportunities.