Working with decimals – some ideas for using the digit cards and number lines

Resources
•	Decimal digit cards
•	Place value table cards (Laminate and cut into individual cards for pupils)
•	Money in separate bags
100 x 1p
50 x 2p
20 x 5p
10 x 10p
5 x 20p
2 x 50p
•	Decimal number lines
•	Pencils
•	Paper for recording activities if required

Curriculum references
NNS Year 4
Numbers and the number system; fractions and decimals
•	Understand decimal notation and place value for tenths and hundredths and use it in context. For example: order amounts of money

NNS Year 5
Numbers and the number system; fractions decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion
•	Use decimal notation for tenths and hundredths
•	Know what each digit represents in a number with up to two decimal places
•	Order a set of numbers with the same number of decimal places
•	Relate fractions to their decimal representations: that is, recognise the equivalence between the decimal and fraction forms of …tenths and hundredths

NNS Year 6
Numbers and the number system; fractions decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion
•	Give a decimal fraction lying between two others
•	Order a mixed set of numbers or measurements with up to three decimal places
•	Round a number with two decimal places to the nearest tenth or to the nearest whole number

Activities
1.	Draw a card at random. How many tenths, how many hundredths? Use the place value table if children are unsure, the numbers on the digit cards should line up in the correct columns.

2.	Draw a card at random. Say how many pence it is worth. Put out the correct coins. Can the children make the sum using the fewest number of coins?

3.	Show two cards that have similar digits e.g. 0.02 and 0.2. Which is more/less. How many pence is each worth. Use the place value table if necessary.

4.	Draw six cards at random and arrange them in ascending/descending order.

5.	Draw a card at random and give the fraction equivalent. Reduce to its lowest terms if possible.

6.	Draw two cards at random, say which is larger. Give one or more numbers lying between.

7.	Divide the cards in two sets (odd numbers and even numbers). Draw two cards at random. Say the number that lies half way between.

8.	Draw four decimal cards. Round each to the neatest tenth; then mark their position on the decimal number line. Check by measuring.

9.	Draw four decimal cards. Mark their position on the decimal number line. Check by measuring.

Assessment
Do the children demonstrate an understanding of the difference in place value between tenths and hundredths?
Do the children read the numbers correctly, remembering the decimal point?
Can the children understand the difference between 0.2 and 0.02?
Can the children understand the value of £0.2?
Can the children order a set of decimals correctly?
Can the children give a fractional equivalent of a decimal?
Can the children give a decimal lying between two others?
Can the children round a decimal to the nearest tenth?
Can the children estimate the position of a decimal on a number line?