Making Decimals Fun: Innovative Approaches to Teaching Decimals in the Classroom

​Decimals, while a crucial part of the mathematics curriculum, can often be challenging for students to grasp. But fear not! As educators, we have the power to transform this difficult decimal dilemma into a delightful learning experience. Here are some fun and interactive ways to teach decimals in your classroom.

1. Decimal Bingo

Who doesn't love a good game of bingo? Create bingo cards with various decimal numbers. Call out equivalent fractions or percentage conversions, and let the fun begin! This helps students recognize and understand the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages.

2. Shopping Spree

Turn your classroom into a mini marketplace. Label items with decimal price tags. Give students a budget and let them 'shop' around. This activity makes learning decimals fun and teaches students about budgeting and money management.
I like to implement the following challenges:
- Students must tell me their total shop bill and the amount of change they have leftover.
- I like to challenge them to see how close they can get to their budget total
- I like to also set up a rule that they must purchase at least three items
No time to set up? An easier version is to collect catalogues from stores or grocery flyers. Then send your students shopping using those. 

3. Decimal Art

Have students create artwork using decimal numbers. For instance, they could create a pixel image using square grids, then record the colors and decimals. This visual representation can help students better understand the concept of decimals. 
Grab the FREE template download below for an activity like this ready to go:

Dazzling Decimal Design Template: A Free Download for Fun With Math!

A$0.00

Unleash your student's creativity and mathematical prowess with this Dazzling Decimal Design Template! This free download is an excellent resource to make math fun and engaging.

Shop

4. Decimals on a Number Line

Draw a number line on the floor with masking tape. Use it to physically demonstrate how decimals fit between whole numbers. This kinesthetic approach can be particularly effective for tactile learners. 

5. Decimal Detective

Give students a 'detective mission' to find real-life examples of decimals (in newspapers, magazines, online, etc.). They can present their findings to the class, explaining the context in which the decimal was used. 

6. Decimal Olympics

Host a series of athletic events (like sprints, long jump, etc.) and record scores using decimal numbers. Students can use the scores collected to arrange decimals in order to find out who was the fastest, who jumped the furthest etc. Can do as individuals or teams and see who wins the decimal Olympics! 

7. Online Games and Apps

Leverage technology to make learning decimals more engaging. Websites like Khan Academy and IXL offer interactive decimal games. Apps like Math Playground also provide a range of fun decimal games. 
I've also created some digital decimal games your kids might find fun:

Adding & Subtracting Decimals Digital Math Game - Math Escape Room

A$5.00

Addition & Subtraction with Decimals Digital Math Quest GAME. Your students can play the School Jungle Jam in a digital game format. This resource is designed to be played on any device with an Internet connection (please read the technical tips section and try the free chapter below to see if it works for you).

This is a single Math Level pack only (LEVEL 3). More separate level packs are available.

Adventure meets an escape room with this style of game. Your students will need to discover passwords at the end of each chapter in order to access the next part of the quest story. Your Teacher copy will contain all links and passwords.

Digital Sharing Options: There's a Google doc link, QR codes, and hyperlinked student page as options to share the game links. Pick what works best for your situation.

Shop

Digital Pirate Decimal Place Value Math Quest Game 5th Grade Escape Room

A$5.00

Pirate Decimal Place Value Digital Math Quest GAME - Adventure meets Escape Room with this style of game. This is LEVEL 3 Place Value with Decimal Numbers >> Target 5th Grade >> Please check the math skills listed below to see if they are right for your class. Your students will be playing Redbeard's Rebellion in a graphic digital game format. This resource is designed to be played on any device with an Internet connection. (Please read the technical tips section and try the free game sample below to see if this type of game will work on your device.)

Please note: The Easel option is only available for purchases made via my TPT store.

Shop

8. Decimal Menus

Get your students to design a menu of their own and add prices involving decimals. Then invite students to order items from another student's menu, they must work out the total bill. Increase the challenge by adding budgets, and having to work out change. 

9. Decimal Math Mysteries

Unleash the detectives in your classroom with Decimal Math Mysteries. In these activities, students are given a mysterious scenario where they have to solve math questions involving decimals to unlock clues to help them unravel the mystery. This not only sharpens their decimal skills, but also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Mini Math Mysteries are more condensed and simpler to solve, but still add a bit of fun. Furthermore, it adds an element of suspense and excitement to learning decimals, making the process much more enjoyable and memorable.

Rounding Decimals Math Mystery: Case of the Robot Robbery - 5th Grade Edition

A$4.50

Rounding Decimals Math Mystery: the Case of the Robot Robbery. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Video Hook and Ending Video included.

Shop

Halloween Mini Math Mystery - Comparing Decimals - 5th Grade FREE

A$0.00

This Halloween Mini-Math Mystery is a fun 'game-like' one-page activity to practice comparing decimals. Ideal for 5th Grade or any class working with comparing decimals. Your student detectives will need to correctly complete the math section to solve who is the Broomstick Burglar!

Shop

Decimals Review Math Mystery: Case of the Disappearing Donuts - 5th Grade Edition

A$4.00

Decimals Review Math Mystery: the Case of the Disappearing Donuts. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Docs option provided within your download.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

5th Grade Word Problems Math Mystery: Multiplicative Comparison, Fractions, Decimals, and More

A$4.50

Prepare your 5th grade student detectives to work on solving math word problems with this exciting Math Mystery Activity: The Case of the Wacky Wild West!

PLEASE NOTE: If you need this activity on EASEL, you must purchase it via my TPT store <here>.

Shop

Decimals Review Math Mystery: Case of the Disappearing Donuts - 6th Grade Edition

A$4.50

Decimals Review Math Mystery: the Case of the Disappearing Donuts. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher, or the sub-tub.

Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Slides link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

Decimal Review Math Mystery: Case of the Disappearing Donuts - 4th Grade Edition

A$4.50

Decimal Review Math Mystery: the Case of the Disappearing Donuts. This math activity is a fun way to review and practice mathematical skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher, or the sub-tub.

Easy prep! Just Print & Solve! Or go paperless with the new Google Slides option provided within your download.

⭐A video hook is provided to set the stage to engage! Check out the video hook in the preview section.

⭐A bonus ENDING VIDEO clip is included to celebrate finishing the mystery.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

Subtracting Decimals Math Worksheet - FREE Crack the Fun Fact

A$0.00

Grab this free subtracting decimals math worksheet to crack a fun fact! Printable & Digital option included! This activity requires students to subtract decimals to discover a fun fact.

Use:

• consolidation
• extra practice
• review
• early finisher task
• homework
• distance learning

Shop

Adding Decimals - Crack the Fun Fact Worksheet Activity

A$0.00

Grab this free adding decimals math worksheet to crack a fun fact! Use this resource for some extra math practice at home or in the classroom.

Shop

Decimals Math Mystery Review Worksheets 7th Grade Edition - Case of the Disappearing Donuts

A$4.50

Decimals Math Mystery: the Case of the Disappearing Donuts . This math activity is a fun way to review and practice Decimal skills in the classroom or at home. Ideal for spiral review, consolidation, math centers, homework, enrichment, early-finisher or the sub-tub.

Distance Learning Update: I've added a Word Document within the folder that contains a Google Slides link to share this resource with your students via Google Classroom or Drive.

Students must complete math worksheets to unlock clues. Then, use their powers of deduction to narrow down the list of possibilities to solve the mystery case!

Shop

10. Decimal Race

In this game, students are divided into teams and each team is given a set of number cards (0-9) and a decimal point card. The teacher then calls out a decimal number and the teams race to arrange their cards to represent that number. For instance, if the teacher calls out "two point five three", the team has to arrange their cards to show "2.53". 
This game not only helps in reinforcing the concept of decimal place values but also encourages teamwork and quick thinking. The competitive element keeps the students engaged and makes learning about decimals a lot more fun. 

Remember, teaching decimals doesn't have to be daunting. Incorporating these fun activities into your lessons can create an engaging learning environment that helps students grasp this tricky concept. Happy teaching!