Between 0 and 1: Decimals
May 11, 2022 | Chloe Ko
“How do we use decimals and fractions in everyday life?”
This was the question the students were asked to answer at the launch of this unit. Some of the answers were: money, cooking, sports statistics, and time.
As we continue to discuss parts of a whole, it’s important for students to understand why it is necessary to learn decimals and the connection between decimals and fractions.
Currently, the fifth grade mathematicians are learning how to compare, order, round, and add decimals using at least two strategies. They are also learning how to write decimals in expanded form using fractions.
Through the do now activities, students are practicing reading and writing the number properly to help remember the place values. For example, if the number is 0.5, we say, “five tenths” instead of zero point five. Students are also practicing the skills of ordering and adding through card games with a classmate.
Decimal Ordering Game
Next week, they will learn how to subtract decimals. Finally, the unit will conclude with a menu project where students create their own menus and receipts after they have “shopped” at a classmate’s restaurant.
Using the Grid to Add Decimals
