Decimal help

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Home : 2002 : January : 6

Decimal help
By Elaine

Tammy,
I think I agree with those other people about fractions coming first. For example kids probably already know that 1/2 = 50% = .5. But . . . if you've already started decimals do you feel like you could just stop
and do the fractions?
Here's what I think I'd do. I'd immediately tie the fractions they are very familiar with -- like 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 -- and tie them to the decimals they are very familiar with because of their experiences with money. I'd tie as many fractions and decimals together that relate to money as I could -- like 1/10 of a dollar = .10, etc.
Another thing I would definitely

do is (and you may have already done this) is use grids and have them shade in the decimal they are writing. I would also use place value charts and have them to write the decimal in the proper place value column before trying to read it. I'd also make a large place value chart on the board (or an overhead transparency) and leave it there to refer to throughout the unit.