Support your students in developing a strong understanding of place value with our Number Factory: Matching & Ordering 3 Digit Numbers Place Value Activity! This hands-on resource uses MAB (base 10) picture cards and number cards to help students visualise, compare, and order three-digit numbers in a structured and engaging way. Through matching and sequencing tasks, learners are encouraged to connect concrete representations with abstract numerals.

This activity is perfect for consolidating number knowledge in the middle primary years, with opportunities to practise identifying the value of each digit and ordering numbers from smallest to largest. Whether students are matching cards side by side or working independently on a sorting mat, they will strengthen their number sense while actively applying place value skills.

Number Factory: Matching & Ordering 3 Digit Numbers is ideal for numeracy rotations, small group instruction, or hands-on maths tubs. With colour-coded sets, and a recording sheet included, this versatile resource can be reused, differentiated, and extended to suit a variety of learners and classroom setups.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and represent three-digit numbers using MAB/base 10 visuals
• ✅ Order numbers from smallest to largest and identify place value patterns
• ✅ Match visual representations to their numeral counterparts
• ✅ Use hundreds, tens and ones to explain number comparisons
• ✅ Record and represent number understanding in multiple formats

What’s Included:

• Sorting mats for structured number sequencing
• Matching sets of MAB picture cards and 3-digit number cards
• Optional recording sheet for student responses and evidence of learning

Materials Needed:

• Printed cards, mats and recording sheets (preferably on card stock)
• Scissors, glue, and pencils or whiteboard markers
• Write-and-wipe sleeves (optional for repeated use)

How to Use:

1. Give students a sorting mat and a set of number and MAB picture cards.
2. Students can match the picture and numeral cards before placing them in order from smallest to largest.
3. Alternatively, have students order each card type separately, then find and place the matching pairs on the mat.
4. Students can draw their matched pairs on the recording sheet as evidence of their understanding.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a numeracy rotation focused on place value and number order
• 💡 Set up as a hands-on maths station with laminated cards for reuse
• 💡 Encourage students to explain their reasoning using place value vocabulary
• 💡 Display matched sets on a maths wall or bulletin board to show learning
• 💡 Allow students to create their own MAB-picture or number cards to challenge a partner

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print backing card pages double sided using ‘flip on short edge’ to ensure alignment
• 💛 Place sorting mats into write-and-wipe sleeves for repeated use
• 💛 Mix and match card sets for added difficulty or differentiation
• 💛 Use place value manipulatives alongside the cards for added support

Number Factory: Matching & Ordering 3 Digit Numbers Place Value Activity is a fun, flexible and effective resource for building number knowledge through hands-on exploration. Perfect for helping students deepen their understanding of hundreds, tens and ones in a meaningful and visual way.