Target 2: Place Value

There are two key mathematical areas of learning which, if mastered, can enable your students to perform a variety of multiplications and divisions mentally. One is obviously the times-tables (see Target 1). The other is decimal place value.

The Target 2 workbook first introduces pupils to the whole number places up to the millions, showing them how to name seven-digit numbers. The main focus of the book then turns to the first three decimal places: tenths, hundredths and thousandths.

Upon reaching each of the target scores in the ten challenges, your students will know how many thousandths are in numbers such as 1.523 (the answer is not 3) or the value of the digit in the thousandths’ place (again, not 3). They will understand why 2.6 is greater than 2.599, and that 4.20 is really just 4.2.

Each Target Practice workbook is divided into ten challenges, with target scores and time limits. The Target Extra section at the back of each book contains several repeat challenges, enabling pupils to hit that target score should they miss out the first time.

This is a colourful 105-page PDF download, with explanation pages for each concept, and quick links to each chapter and the answer pages.

Not only that, this Target Practice workbook contains links to 72 minutes of teaching video, created by Catapult (only available to those who purchase the workbook).

Target 2’s ten steps are as follows:

Target 2a: Naming Large Numbers

Target 2b: Changing Words into Digits

Target 2c: Tenths

Target 2d: Values of Tenths Digits

Target 2e: Hundredths

Target 2f: Values of Hundredths Digits

Target 2g: Thousandths

Target 2h: Values of Thousandths Digits

Target 2i: Putting it all Together

Target 2j: Comparing Decimals

A solid understanding of the relationship between each position in our place value system will prepare children for multiplication and division of any number by 10, 100 or 1000 (the theme of the Target 3 workbook).

Combining place value understanding with the times-tables will make it much easier for a child to convert 4x6 into 40x60, 400x0.6, 0.4x0.06 and so on (the theme of the Target 4 workbook).

Launch their potential.

Trevor Veale

Target Practice author

Owner and full-time tutor at Catapult

Primary school teacher for nine years