A fun 10-minute activity to do with your child!
Your child is learning about decimal place value in math class. Decimals extend place value to the right of the decimal point: tenths (0.1), hundredths (0.01), and thousandths (0.001). This is an important skill for the Florida FAST test and for real-world applications like money and measurement. No math expertise needed!
Show your child a dollar bill (or write $1.00). Explain that 1 dime = $0.10 (one tenth of a dollar) and 1 penny = $0.01 (one hundredth of a dollar).
Ask: "If I have 3 dimes, how much money is that?" (30 cents or $0.30 - that's 3 tenths of a dollar)
Challenge: "I have $2.47. What digit is in the tenths place? What digit is in the hundredths place?" (4 is in tenths, 7 is in hundredths)
Play "Build the Price": Say a price like "$5.63" and have your child identify the value of each digit: 5 = 5 dollars, 6 = 6 tenths (60 cents), 3 = 3 hundredths (3 cents)
"Dimes represent tenths and pennies represent hundredths. That's why we write money with two decimal places - for tenths and hundredths of a dollar!"
Show your child that 1 centimeter has 10 millimeters. Explain: "Each millimeter is one tenth of a centimeter."
Measure a small object. If it's 4 cm and 7 mm, write it as 4.7 cm. Ask: "What place is the 7 in?" (tenths place)
Challenge: "If something measures 12.35 centimeters, what does each digit represent?" (1 ten, 2 ones, 3 tenths, 5 hundredths)
"Scientists, engineers, and doctors use decimals all the time for precise measurements. Being able to understand place value helps us be accurate!"
Just 10 minutes of practice at home can make a big impact on your child's confidence and success. Understanding decimal place value is essential for working with money, measurements, and all decimal operations. Thank you for being part of their learning journey!
Su hijo esta aprendiendo sobre el valor posicional de los decimales. Los decimales extienden el valor posicional a la derecha del punto decimal: decimas (0.1), centesimas (0.01), y milesimas (0.001). El dinero es una excelente manera de practicar: las monedas de 10 centavos representan decimas y los centavos representan centesimas de un dolar. Las actividades de arriba usan dinero y mediciones para practicar. Gracias por apoyar el aprendizaje de su hijo!