Welcome to another insightful blog post where we delve into one of the most engaging and effective classroom games for math learning, the “I Have, Who Has” Place Value Card Game. This activity offers a unique blend of learning, fun, and interaction, ensuring students fully grasp the concept of place value in a fun and engaging way. Today, I’ll be sharing with you the ‘why’, the ‘how’, and the ‘what’ of implementing this game successfully in your classroom.
Understanding the Game: A Sneak Peek into ‘I Have, Who Has’
The ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game is an interactive, student-centered learning tool designed to teach and reinforce the concept of place value. It’s a cyclical game that promotes active participation, instills collaborative teamwork skills, and fosters students’ mathematical understanding, all the while keeping them engaged and excited about learning.
Benefits of the ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game
The reason why the “I Have, Who Has” game is a favorite among many math teachers is due to its multi-faceted benefits:
- Improved Understanding: The game instills a comprehensive understanding of place value, a critical concept that forms the foundation for numerous mathematical operations.
- Interpersonal Skills: It promotes listening skills, team-building, and cooperation among students.
- Active Learning: The game ensures all students are actively engaged, helping them retain information better.
- Fun and Engaging: The game adds a dash of excitement to math class, making learning enjoyable.
How to Play the ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game
The game is pretty straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start by preparing a deck of cards. Each card should have two parts: an “I have” section with a number, and a “Who has” section with a description of a different number in terms of place values.
- Distribute the cards to your students, ensuring each one has at least one card. If there are more cards than students, some can have two.
- Begin the game by reading a card. For example, you could say, “I have 50. Who has the number with 4 tens and 3 ones?”.
- The student who has the card with “43” would respond, “I have 43. Who has the number with 6 hundreds, 2 tens, and 7 ones?” and so on.
- The game continues in this cyclical fashion until it reaches back to the first card.
Accommodations and Modifications
Here are a few ways to ensure every student benefits from the game, regardless of their learning pace or style:
- Reduced Number of Cards: For students who may feel overwhelmed, you can limit the number of cards they receive. As they gain confidence, you can gradually increase the number of cards.
- Pre-Teach the Vocabulary: Ensure all students understand terms like ‘tens’, ‘hundreds’, and ‘thousands’. You can also provide visual aids or manipulatives to help clarify these concepts.
- Pair Work: Pair students who need additional support with a peer. This not only boosts their understanding but also fosters teamwork.
- Scaffolded Cards: For struggling learners, provide cards that require simpler place value understanding and gradually increase complexity.
Game Play Scenarios: Making Learning Interactive

Now, let’s look at some gameplay scenarios that highlight the real-time application of the ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game.
Scenario 1: Introducing the concept of tens and ones in a 2nd-grade classroom.
As you read out, “I have 16. Who has the number with 2 tens and 3 ones?”, a student proudly responds, “I have 23. Who has the number with 4 tens and 1 one?” This interaction continues until every student has had a turn, reinforcing the understanding of tens and ones in a playful, non-intimidating way.
Scenario 2: Mastering the understanding of thousands in a 4th-grade classroom.
As you announce, “I have 4,302. Who has the number with 2 thousands, 6 hundreds, 4 tens, and 7 ones?”, a student quickly figures out the answer, announcing, “I have 2,647. Who has the number with 3 thousands, 5 hundreds, 2 tens, and 8 ones?” The students are now confidently working with numbers in the thousands, enhancing their place value understanding.
Wrapping Up: Aligning with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
The ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game aligns well with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). For instance, the game directly supports the following standards:
- 2.NBT.A.1: Understand that the three digits of a three-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones.
- 3.NBT.A.1: Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
- 4.NBT.A.2: Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
The integration of the ‘I Have, Who Has’ Place Value Card Game into your teaching toolbox will undoubtedly yield significant educational benefits. Not only does it transform the classroom atmosphere, but it also ensures your students have a solid understanding of place values—a foundational aspect of mathematics.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep teaching, and keep making learning fun.
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