New Math Unit: Fractions & Decimals

Posted: April 18, 2011

To Parents and Adults at Home … Your child’s class is starting a mathematics unit on fractions and decimals. In this unit, your child will: ·        Model, compare, and order fractions and decimals. ·        Explore equivalent fractions and decimals. ·        Relate fractions to division and to decimals. ·        Use decimals to record measurements. ·        Estimate decimal sums and differences. ·        Add decimals with tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. ·        Subtract decimals with tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. ·        Pose and solve problems involving fractions and decimals. Fractions and decimals are used and encountered frequently in our world. For example, prices on grocery and other store advertising flyers typically show decimals and special sales announcements that include fractions. Encourage your child to look for such examples and to use fractions and decimals at home. If you are dividing something into equal pieces, such as an orange, have your child name fractions that describe the pieces. For example, if the orange is divided into 8 equal pieces, each piece is one-eighth of the orange. While shopping, encourage your child to look for decimals on price tags and labels. Have your child help you estimate the total amount of the items you intend to purchase, as well as how much change you should receive. Thank-you so much, Mr. Sonier