Yes. You can teach place value through an online game. On Legends of Learning, Magic Island: Compare numbers (~35 min, 4.9 ⭐) aligns to Common Core 4.NBT.A.2 (compare multi-digit whole numbers), and Decimal Odyssey (~37 min, 4.8 ⭐) targets 5.NBT.A.3.a (read and write decimals to the thousandths). Both are free for teachers to assign to grades 3–5.
Best online games to teach place value (grades 3–5)
| Game | Playtime | Teacher rating | Standard | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Island: Compare numbers | 35 min | 4.9 ⭐ (18) | CCSS 4.NBT.A.2 | Compare multi-digit whole numbers |
| Decimal Odyssey | 37 min | 4.8 ⭐ (19) | CCSS 5.NBT.A.3.a | Read/write decimals to thousandths |
| The Multiplication Express | 20 min | 5.0 ⭐ (3) | CCSS 5.NBT.B.5 | Multi-digit multiplication fluency (place-value practice in context) |
| Rounding Island | 35 min | 4.6 ⭐ | Rounding / NBT | Rounding with place-value thinking |
Whole-number place value: start with Magic Island: Compare numbers.
Decimal place value: use Decimal Odyssey.
How to fit it into tomorrow’s lesson
- Mini-lesson: place-value chart (ones → thousands, or tenths → thousandths).
- Game play: 20–30 minutes on the matching title above.
- Exit ticket: compare two numbers / write one decimal in expanded form.
How to assign (free for teachers)
- Create a free account at legendsoflearning.com.
- Open Magic Island or Decimal Odyssey.
- Assign to your class.
FAQ
Is there a free online game for teaching place value?
Yes — Magic Island and Decimal Odyssey on Legends of Learning are free for teachers.
What grades?
Primarily grades 3–5, with different games for whole numbers vs decimals.
