Decimal fractions are fractions where the denominators are 10, 100, 1000, and so on. When introduced in the early upper elementary years, children use a similar visual representation they used when learning about place value.
Children are presented with a place value mat and the Stamp Game to learn to multiply by ten “units” by exchanging ten units in a category for one unit they place in the next category to the left. The units are color-coded to indicate their values: green is for units, blue is for tens, and red is for hundreds.
The Decimal Checkerboard is used to show a broader view of what decimal fractions represent and their relation to whole numbers. It is a square board with 100 squares, with each row representing a different place value: units, tenths, hundredths, and so on. Children can use the Decimal Checkerboard to see how decimal fractions relate to whole numbers and each other.
The Decimal Fraction Board is a linear board similar to a place value mat. Children can practice multiplying units by ten and move to the left of the board, or a unit by 10, 100, 1000, and so on, go to the right of the Decimal Fraction Board. They begin to practice naming and placing decimal numbers using concrete materials: beads for units and cubes/discs for fractions.
After much practice, children are ready to use decimal fractions within the four processes of operation. You can introduce the Decimal Stamp Game, with which learners are familiar. Our Decimal Stamp Game can be complemented with the Decimal Stamp Game Task Cards, which are incrementally designed to provide a progressive structure for learning.
Materials
Related materials:
Decimal Stamp Game With Task Cards
The Task Cards are divided into four sections:
Section DSG1 – Addition
In this section, children learn to add thousandths, hundredths, tenths, and units and exchange ten stamps for one stamp in the next category, moving to the left.
Section DSG2 – Subtraction
In this section, children are given an equation 5.37 – 2.48, where 5.37 is the minuend and 2.48 is the subtrahend. The subtrahend is represented in stamps, and the minuend is subtracted to reveal the difference.
Section DSG3 – Multiplication
In this section, children multiply the first factor of the equation as many times as the second factor requires it. In 3.45 x 3, children would place five 1/100 stamps five times, four 1/10 stamps four times, and 3 unit stamps 3 times. After adding and exchanging stamps, they will see the product as a concrete representation.
Section DSG4 – Division
In this section, children use skittles to distribute the stamps equally. The quotient is represented by the amount of stamps one skittle has. Our cards are designed to avoid pitfalls creating confusion. The emphasis is on the process of equal distribution.
We are confident your learners will enjoy working with the Decimal Stamp Game! This material is engaging and easy to use; it helps children keep on working with decimal numbers in all four operations. The Task Cards contain control of errors on the back, helping children be autonomous. Also, upper elementary learners will love to work with the Stamp Game again! For more Montessori material, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
