Lesson Idea | The Decimal Point Slide

Description

The Decimal Point Slide is a movement-based math lesson that helps students understand place value from thousands to thousandths by physically representing numbers with their bodies. Students explore how digits shift when multiplying or dividing by powers of ten, learning to add or remove zeros appropriately. They also express multi-digit numbers and decimals in expanded form and compare values to thousandths. Through interactive writing and movement activities, this 45-minute lesson builds a deep understanding of decimal place value and the effects of multiplying and dividing by 10.

Common Core Standards Addressed

Understand the place system

5.NBT.1. Recognize that in a multi-digit number, a digit in one place represents 10 times as much as it represents in the place to its right and 1/10 of what it represents in the place to its left.

5.NBT.2. Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10, and explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. Use whole-number exponents to denote powers of 10.

5.NBT.3. Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths.