The Decimal Board is a unique material design for the Montessori environment. Traditionally, the decimal system is introduced around age 8 or 9 in the context of money, fraction, and other real-life experiences. The decimal system is used in many areas such as money, science, and even areas like sports. Therefore, it is important that children have a strong understanding of the decimal system, and this begins with knowing how to read and write decimals.
Materials
- The Decimal Board (Value Line, Premium Quality, Complete Set Value Line, Complete Set Premium Quality)
- The Decimal Board Activity Set
- The Decimal Board Task Cards
- Additional materials: Decimal Stamp Game
To read and write decimals, children must be acquainted with other the place value chart. They must understand that decimal numbers have parts. For example, the decimal number with a zero before the decimal point (0.123) is called a decimal fraction. The zero serves as a placeholder. A decimal number with numbers on each side of the decimal point (4.23) is called a mixed decimal fraction. It is a mix of a whole number and a decimal fraction.
Working with decimal numbers can confuse children if not provided with physical materials. They may demonstrate a false understanding by simply using procedural methods when working with decimal numbers without truly understanding what fractions and decimal numbers have in common, their true values, and where they stand on a place value chart.
The Decimal Board does just that. It begins by emphasizing the unit’s place on the place value chart, which is the base of the decimal fraction. We tend to place a small crown above the unit column to highlight its ultimate importance. Every decimal fraction will be part of a pre-existing unit.
Following this understanding, children must become acquainted with how we read decimal fractions. Because children are used to hearing adults saying decimal fractions in a simplified way, such as 3.5 being read as three point five, it is important that we help them develop the proper way of reading decimal fractions (3.5 is three and five tenths).
The Decimal Board offers a clear perspective of how numbers have been organized to demonstrate their values. To the left of the “units” are the whole numbers with their traditional colors (dark green for units, dark blue for tens, and red for hundreds). Children are used to this representation using the Stamp Game. To the right of the “units” appears a new column with new colors (light blue, might light red, light green…). These columns are reserved for decimal fractions. They are represented with faded colors to signify a loss of power. In other words, decimal fractions carry a lesser value than whole numbers; therefore, they have lost pigmentation.
Children are fascinated by this explanation. Through various preliminary works, they begin to understand the true value of decimal fractions.
Our Montessori material, the Decimal Board, provides a field for practice and repetition when used with Decimal Board Activity Set. The Decimal Board Activity Set consists of four sections:
A-Tenths Place Value Numbers (ex: 0.3)
B-Hundredths Place Value Numbers (ex: 1.32)
C-Thousands Place Value Numbers (ex: 0.324)
D-Cumulative Place Value Numbers
Children will use the Decimal Board and the Activity Set to visualize decimal numbers and learn to read them properly. This experience ensures that children truly understand decimal numbers, which will unlock their understanding of other math concepts. You may also further the study of decimal numbers by using our Decimal Task Cards. Using incrementally-designed support materials such as our Decimal Board Activity Set and Decimal Board Task Cards provide children with a natural progression through the learning experience and promotes independence and self-esteem!
For more Montessori math materials, visit our website, which contains mathematics and curriculum materials sections.
