Grade 4 is developing number sense with activities that explore place value.
The class was already quite familiar with whole number place value, so we decided to explore place value of decimal numbers. For many of the students this was a new concept and they really enjoyed the challenge.
We first discussed what a decimal number is (PYP key concept: Form) and how it relates to their current understanding of fractions (PYP key concept: Connection). Students began to correctly name decimal numbers as we became familiar with appropriate terminology. We next plotted the decimal numbers on a number line, where each student was responsible for the position of two decimal numbers. They discussed their reasoning and shared their understandings of which numbers were bigger or smaller. They not only used thinking skills, but communication skills as well.
So, where do we go from here? Exploring use of decimals in real world contexts…but first, reviewing addition and subtraction strategies and number facts!