Decimal Standards

Students have completed some basic units on algebra concepts and graphing and statistics. On Monday, we will begin our first of two units on decimals. We will first take some time to review basic place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. At the conclusion of this review we will introduce these skills using decimals.

I insist that the students read decimals correctly naming their value. For example, we read 1.25 as one and twenty-five hundredths and not one point twenty-five. By reading it using the correct value it reinforces the value as well as establishing it's relationship as a fraction. Sixth graders often have a difficult time realizing that decimals and fractions are the same. Reading a decimal correctly is the first step to having a better understanding of the concept.

The state standards we will cover state that by the end of this unit your child is expected to be able to:

Compare and represent on a number line decimals to the hundredths.
Use estimation to decide whether answers are reasonable in decimal problems.
Use mental arithmetic to add or subtract simple decimals.
Add and subtract with money in decimal notation.
Select and apply appropriate methods for estimating results of rational numbers.
Decide whether a solution is reasonable in the context of the original situation.