Dividing Decimals Guide

Overview

Grade: 6
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 13 students
Unit: Mastering Numbers & Ratios (Lesson 5 of 30)
Topic: Dividing Decimals: A Step-by-Step Approach

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Common Core State Standards Addressed

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.2

• Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
• Understand that the quotient of two decimals can be interpreted as the number of times one decimal is contained within another.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.3

• Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using efficient and accurate algorithms.

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Learning Objectives (I Can Statements)

• I can divide a decimal by a whole number accurately.
• I can divide a decimal by another decimal by adjusting the divisor to a whole number.
• I can explain why moving the decimal point in both the divisor and dividend does not change the quotient.
• I can check my answers using multiplication to verify the quotient.

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Success Criteria

• I correctly align decimal points in both divisor and dividend.
• I explain the reason for decimal movement during division.
• I solve division problems involving decimals with accuracy.
• I can demonstrate my understanding through examples and verbal reasoning.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Individual mini whiteboards for student practice
• Decimal division step chart (dyslexia-friendly format)
• Worksheets with step-by-step examples and problems
• Manipulatives (base-ten blocks or decimal grids) for tactile learners
• Optional: Calculators for checking work (not for initial computations)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction – 5 minutes

Activate Prior Knowledge:

• Briefly review dividing whole numbers.
• Introduce today’s goal: dividing decimals by whole numbers and decimals.

Teacher Script Example:
"Today, we are going to learn how to divide numbers with decimals. You will see how moving the decimal point can make dividing easier but still give the right answer."

Class Discussion:
Ask students:

• "Who can share how they think we might divide decimals?"
• "What changes when we divide with decimals compared to whole numbers?"

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2. Modeling with Step-by-Step Approach – 10 minutes

Step 1: Divide decimals by a whole number

• Example: 4.8 ÷ 2
• Write down the problem on the board, solve slowly while verbalizing each step.
• Emphasize lining up decimal points in the quotient.

Step 2: Divide decimals by decimals

• Example: 3.6 ÷ 0.3
• Demonstrate moving the decimal point in both divisor and dividend to make divisor a whole number (multiply both by 10).
• Solve the new division problem, maintaining the relationship between the two numbers.

Visual Aids:

• Use the decimal division step chart, formatted with dyslexia-friendly font (clear, sans serif, spaced out).
• Show place value charts and models to visualize decimal shifts.

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3. Guided Practice – 8 minutes

• Provide students with mini whiteboards and simple problems like:
  • 5.4 ÷ 3
  • 7.2 ÷ 0.6
• Walk around and provide real-time feedback.
• Encourage students to verbalize their thought process (pair-share strategy).
• Provide manipulatives for students who benefit from tactile engagement.

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4. Independent Practice & Differentiation – 5 minutes

Tasks:

• Regular: Solve 3 decimal division problems (with step reminders on worksheet).
• For students needing support: Use base-ten blocks or decimal grids to illustrate division. Simplify numbers (e.g., 1.2 ÷ 0.4).
• For advanced students: Challenge with multi-step problems or division with decimals in both dividend and divisor up to thousandths (e.g., 0.432 ÷ 0.06).

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5. Closure – 2 minutes

• Recap key points using “I Can” statements.
• Ask students to explain why we move decimal points in division.
• Highlight the importance of checking answers by multiplying quotient by divisor.

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6. Assessment & Feedback

• Observe student participation during guided practice.
• Review independent practice for accuracy and understanding.
• Provide immediate verbal feedback; follow-up next lesson for struggling students.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual learners: Use step charts and place value visual models.
• Auditory learners: Pair-share explanations and verbalize steps.
• Kinesthetic learners: Use manipulatives such as decimal grids or base-ten blocks for hands-on learning.
• Students with dyslexia: Provide dyslexia-friendly texts, avoid cluttered worksheets, use fonts like OpenDyslexic or Arial, break down instructions into short, clear steps.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Create real-world word problems involving dividing decimals.
• Explore division of decimals leading to repeating decimals and discuss rounding.
• Challenge to explain differences between dividing decimals and fractions, linking to future lessons on ratios.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

• Use larger font sizes (14pt +) with clear spacing.
• Break down instructions into bullet points and short sentences.
• Use high contrast color schemes (e.g., black text on white or pastel backgrounds).
• Incorporate visuals next to text steps.
• Allow audio recording of directions or instructions for review.

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End of Plan
This step-by-step, multisensory approach is tailored to support all students' understanding while aligning tightly with Common Core standards in decimal operations.