When you are dividing with decimals it can be a little confusing unless you learn to make it easy on yourself. All you have to do is to remember is that you want to have a whole number for your divisor so you simply move the decimal point over on the dividend the same number of points that you have removed from the divisor. Are you confused yet? (more…)

This episode of Notepad Tutor that is part of the Pilot Math 4 series explains how to relate decimals and fractions using base 10 blocks. Pilot Math is a classroom resource that combines traditional print textbooks and workbooks with online media. Follow the Pilot Math characters; Cameron, Alyssa, Daksha, Zach, Lian, and Nina as they explore math with their teaching computer, Ed.

Read the original: 
Notepad Tutor – Relating Decimals to Fractions (to hundredths)

Teaching the decimal system to elementary children might seem like a daunting task on the surface but there is a simple solution right in your wallet or purse…money! Because both the decimal system and American currency are both rooted on a base 10 system and children are introduced to money at an early age, it makes learning the decimal system an easier task to teach. Here is a fun way to teach decimals to elementary school students. Set up a classroom market or store.
(more...)

We are please to announced our first Board Game – this is a downloadable board game like snakes and ladders where students roll a dice and advance according to their answers on the 40 full color game cards!

Our first game is Grade 4 Decimals — lots more to come soon!

Grade 4 Decimals Printable Board Game

1. Small dry erase boards (or white boards from your local home supply store cut into squares) and dry erase markers are great tools when teaching math. You write a problem out on the board and have all of your students copy it down and work it out. The first one that lifts their board in the air with the correct answer wins a treat. (Tip: Maybe set a time limit for each problem)

2. You can create a game show in your classroom with touch light’s (those lights you push on and they turn on) and math problems. Divide your class into two teams (boys versus girls if you can) and each student gets a light. You give out math problems and the student or team that completes the problem first hits their light and their team gets a point (if the problem is right). Offer some type of prize to the winning team.

(more…)

Manipulatives are games and hands-on activities that get the student’s senses involved in the learning process. Ideally, manipulatives will aid in the learning process for auditory, visual and rote learners. Students are able to listen, look, repeat, and actively participate in the learning process.

(more...)

Despite their simplicity, decimals can cause headaches for teachers and students alike. Students have difficulty understanding why they should learn decimals, and even more trouble with remembering their decimal points. Teachers grow frustrated trying to teach what should be a relatively easy concept, and that frustration increases in direct proportion to the difficulties their students are having. One easy way to avoid the frustration and headaches is to use creative methods for teaching decimals.

(more…)