P6 have been learning about place value and number manipulation through multiplication and division by 10, 100, and 1000.
To bring this concept to life, we used a number line and a physical movement activity. Pupils were given numbers and invited to stand at the front of the class, where they visually demonstrated how digits shift when multiplied or divided by powers of ten. Each step to the right represented division (making the number smaller), and each step to the left represented multiplication (making the number larger).
We emphasized the importance of the decimal point in this process to help identify place value.
We also emphasized that the digits don’t change their order—they simply follow the leader, moving one, two, or three places depending on whether the number is being multiplied or divided by 10 (one zero), 100 (two zeros), or 1000 (three zeros).
It was fantastic to see the pupils actively engaging with the concept and supporting each other’s understanding through movement, discussion, and visualisation.
