Decimal place value is sometimes difficult for students to grasp because it introduces concepts and words similar but different from those students have already learned. Then it puts those same concepts in reverse order. When learning place value, students have already learned ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and get bigger. Now “-ths” is added to the end of each word and students have to learn these numbers get smaller after the decimal point. This requires their mind to recalibrate and process a new order in place value.
Many students may need hands-on practice and tangible ways to learn this concept, especially when having to figure out why the ones place doesn’t exist with decimals and why something called “hundredths” is smaller than “tenths”. Hands-on practice, music, and visuals can help students overcome confusion and avoid frustration.
SONGS TO USE
ANCHOR CHARTS
- Graphic Organizer: Decimals and Powers of 10s
- Anchor Chart: Powers of 10, Exponents
- Anchor Chart: Adding and Subtracting Decimals
- Digital Place Value Interactive Chart
GAMES
COMMON CORE STANDARDS
If you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate activities into your decimal lesson plans to align with Common Core Standards for Mathematics, these activities align with Grade 5 standards for:
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.3: Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.3.A: Read and write decimals to thousandths using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.3.B: Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Please note: You should cross-check with your state or school district’s specific standards to ensure full alignment.
What Is Decimal Place Value?
These terms are crucial for understanding decimal place values. You might consider giving kids a vocabulary sheet with these terms and utilize this Decimals and Powers of Graphic Organizer to help them master learning the words.
- Decimal:
A number system based on tens. The numbers to the left of the decimal point represent whole numbers, and as we move to the right of the decimal point, each number place represents a fraction of a whole. - Decimal Point:
The dot in a decimal number. The decimal point separates the whole number from the fractions of a whole. - Tenths Place:
The first place to the right of the decimal point. For example, in the number 0.1, the number 1 is in the tenths place, representing one-tenth of a whole. - Hundredths Place:
The second place to the right of the decimal point. For example, in the number 0.01, the number 1 is in the hundredths place, representing one-hundredth of a whole.
Decimal place value refers to the position of a digit in a number and indicates its value. Each place to the right or left of the decimal point represents a different power of 10. For instance, the first place to the right of the decimal point represents tenths (1/10), the second place represents hundredths (1/100), and so on. The graphic organizer helps students write numbers, and then shade in each value in the tenths, hundredths, and thousandths place to visually see how they get smaller. The Decimal Wars Game helps students learn how to compare decimals, while practicing how to say the numbers.
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