> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://edzo.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Place Value Blocks Block

> Learn how to use Place Value Blocks to display base-10 block models for teaching place value concepts.

The **Place Value Blocks** block displays base-10 blocks (also known as MAB blocks) showing thousands cubes, hundreds flats, tens rods, and ones units. Use it to visually represent numbers and teach place value concepts.

This is a display block for teaching and demonstration. Learners can view the blocks but aren't assessed on manipulating them.

> [!NOTE]
>
> For assessable activities where learners drag and drop blocks to build numbers, use the [Place Value Blocks Question](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/place-value-blocks-question.md) block instead.

## When to use Place Value Blocks

Place Value Blocks work well for:

* Representing numbers visually using base-10 models
* Teaching the value of each digit in a number
* Demonstrating regrouping and trading concepts
* Showing how numbers are composed and decomposed
* Providing a visual reference alongside question content

## Settings

### Block counts

**Thousands blocks** `slider` (default: 0)

The number of thousands cubes to display (0 to 9).

**Hundreds blocks** `slider` (default: 1)

The number of hundreds flats to display (0 to 9).

**Tens blocks** `slider` (default: 2)

The number of tens rods to display (0 to 20).

**Ones blocks** `slider` (default: 3)

The number of ones units to display (0 to 100).

### Visibility

**Show thousands** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays the thousands column.

**Show hundreds** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays the hundreds column.

**Show tens** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays the tens column.

**Show ones** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays the ones column.

### Display settings

**Style** `select` (default: Blocks)

The visual style of the blocks:

* **Blocks**: Realistic base-10 block representations
* **Minimal**: Simplified, icon-style representation

**Show labels** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays place value labels (Thousands, Hundreds, Tens, Ones) beneath each column.

**Layout** `select` (default: Horizontal)

How the place value columns are arranged:

* **Horizontal**: Columns side by side
* **Grouped**: Columns grouped together

**Size** `select` (default: Medium)

The display size of the blocks:

* **Small**: Compact display
* **Medium**: Standard display
* **Large**: Larger display for projection or emphasis

### Color settings

You can customize the color of each place value group:

* **Thousands color**: Color for thousands cubes
* **Hundreds color**: Color for hundreds flats
* **Tens color**: Color for tens rods
* **Ones color**: Color for ones units

## Tips for teachers and parents

**Best practices:**

* Hide the thousands column when working with numbers under 1,000
* Use consistent colors to help learners associate each color with a place value
* Start with ones and tens only for younger learners, then add hundreds and thousands
* Turn off labels for activities where learners identify the place values themselves
* Use alongside written numbers to connect the visual model to symbolic representation
* Try the **Minimal** style for a cleaner look when the realistic blocks feel cluttered

## Related blocks

* [Place Value Blocks Question](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/place-value-blocks-question.md): Assessable version where learners drag blocks to build numbers
* [Number Chart](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-chart.md): For number pattern exploration


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