Last week, I shared an activity that you can use when introducing fractions with denominators 10 & 100. Click here to read that blog post. It includes a freebie for your guided math groups!
Today’s blog post includes a math mat that will helps students represent decimals in various ways. In fourth grade, students are expected to “use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100.”
Use Base 10 Blocks to Represent Decimals
In the example below, students use base 10 blocks to build five-tenths. The flat represents 1 whole. Each rod represents 1/10 of the whole, so you need five of them to build 5/10.
The second picture shows how to model 1.25 using the base ten blocks. Again, this is a great way to show decimals in expanded form.
Use Money to Represent Decimals
In the following examples, student use money to represent decimals. Dimes represents 1/10 of a whole, because you need ten dimes to equal $1.00 (one whole). Pennies are used to represent hundredths, because you need 100 pennies to equal one whole or one dollar.
Need resources for your math centers?
Download the Free Math Printable!
Simply fill out the form below to receive the free printables. After you confirm your subscription, the free resources listed in this blog post will be sent to your inbox!
Molly Gabbert
I see how this resource could also clarify some misconceptions about decimal place value. Great work!