Decimal Fractions Deep Dive

---

Standard

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.C.7
4.NR.5.2 Represent, read, and write decimals with denominators of 10 or 100 as decimals and fractions.
4.NR.5.3 Compare decimal numbers to the hundredths place using >, =, or <.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 1-hour lesson, students will:

• Represent and write fractions with denominators 10 or 100 as decimals and vice versa using manipulatives and drawings.
• Compare decimal numbers to the hundredths place, reasoning about their sizes.
• Use correct symbols (>, =, <) to record comparisons.

---

Vocabulary

• Decimal
• Fraction
• Denominator
• Tenths
• Hundredths
• Compare
• Greater Than (>)
• Less Than (<)
• Equal To (=)

---

Resources

• Base-10 blocks (10 rods, 100 unit cubes)
• Decimal place value charts
• Whiteboards and markers
• Anchor chart paper & markers
• Printed decimal and fraction cards
• Video: Visual introduction to decimals and fractions (2-3 mins)
• Exit tickets (paper slips)

---

Lesson Procedure

1. Review (5 minutes)

Activity: Quick review of fractions with denominators 10 and 100 from previous lessons.

• Show fraction cards (e.g., 3/10, 45/100).
• Ask students to read fractions aloud and briefly discuss their meaning.
• Use paper fraction charts as visual reminders.

Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and prepare students for decimal connection.

---

2. Engage and Explore (10 minutes)

Video Resource: Play a short 3-minute video showing how fractions like 7/10 and 23/100 can be represented as decimals 0.7 and 0.23 with animations and base-10 blocks.

Discussion Questions:

• What does the digit after the decimal represent?
• How do fractions and decimals relate?

---

3. Anchor Chart Creation (5 minutes)

As a class, create a colorful anchor chart titled "Fractions ↔ Decimals to Hundredths" featuring:

• Fraction to decimal examples (1/10 = 0.1, 45/100 = 0.45) with drawings of base-10 blocks.
• Place value chart for tenths and hundredths.
• Symbols >, =, < with example comparisons.

Display chart visibly in the classroom.

---

4. Mini-Lesson: I Do (10 minutes)

Teacher models using Concrete Materials:

• Show 1 rod of 10 unit cubes (1/10) = 0.1.
• Show 45 of 100 unit cubes (45/100) = 0.45 on the place value chart.
• Draw and label decimals and fractions on whiteboard.
• Model comparing 0.7 and 0.65 using size reasoning and > symbol.

Explicit Think-Aloud: "0.7 is the same as 7/10, and 0.65 is 65/100, so 0.7 is greater because 7/10 is equal to 70/100 which is more than 65/100."

---

5. Work Session: We Do (15 minutes)

Group Work (5 students):

a. Represent and write fractions as decimals and decimals as fractions using base-10 blocks and place value charts.
b. Use whiteboards to compare pairs of decimals to hundredths, writing the correct comparison symbol.
c. Teacher circulates to guide, scaffold reasoning, and support struggling students.

---

6. You Do: Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Higher Order Questioning:

• Give students 3 decimal pairs to compare independently (e.g., 0.09 and 0.090, 0.51 and 0.15, 0.3 and 0.29) and justify their answers using the anchor chart and manipulatives.
• Ask questions like:
  • How did you know which decimal was bigger?
  • Can two decimals look different but be equal? Give an example.
  • What happens if the tenths are equal? How do you decide?

---

7. Closing Reflection: Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Students write down:

• One fraction and its decimal form they learned today.
• One comparison statement using >, <, or = with justification in one sentence.

Collect exit tickets for formative assessment.

---

Mastery Check & Next Steps

• Review exit tickets for understanding.
• If students struggle with concepts, plan small-group reteach sessions using more concrete materials and peer tutoring.
• Provide visual repetition with anchor charts and additional practice worksheets focused on decimal-fraction equivalence and symbol use.

---

Differentiation and Specialized Instruction

Student	Strategy	Notes
Marquez	Use extra concrete manipulative time and step-by-step visual aids; use more drawings and one-on-one guiding questions.	Supports abstract reasoning challenges.
Justin	Provide scaffolded notes based on anchor chart; verbal repetition and paired peer support.	Builds confidence and reinforces concepts.
Jaze	Use multisensory approaches (drawing, building blocks); chunk tasks; encourage use of color-coded place value charts.	Helps with focus and retention.
Edelyn	Offer simplified fraction-to-decimal matching cards; extended time; 1:1 support during "You Do" segment.	Ensures comprehension at own pace.

---

Assessment Type

Formative - Ongoing through group activity, observation, and exit ticket reflections to inform instruction and next steps.

---

This engaging and thoughtful lesson plan aligns precisely with Common Core standards for 4th grade decimal and fraction understanding, ensuring every student meets critical competencies in a meaningful and inclusive way.