Overview

This four-day unit focuses on teaching 5th graders how to divide decimals using models and strategies, aligned to the South Carolina new math standards 5.NR.1.4 and 5.PAFR.1.2. Each day incorporates “I can” statements, success criteria, and a gradual release model (I do, We do, You do) with opportunities for small group work and intervention. Differentiation and extension activities support diverse learners and advanced students.

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Day 1: Introduction to Decimal Division Models

Standards:

• 5.NR.1.4 – Divide decimals to hundredths by whole numbers using models or strategies.
• 5.PAFR.1.2 – Use problem-solving strategies with models to divide decimals.

Learning Objective

I can use area models and number lines to divide decimals by whole numbers.

Success Criteria

• I can represent decimal division problems using area models.
• I can find quotients of decimal division using number lines.
• I can explain my reasoning using math vocabulary.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Base-ten decimal grids (printable)
• Number line templates
• Student math journals

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Notes
10 minutes	I do: Model dividing 2.4 ÷ 3 using an area model	Project grid on board; talk through concepts aloud
15 minutes	We do: Guided practice with 3.6 ÷ 4 using number line	Teacher and students draw and solve together
20 minutes	You do: Independent task - 4.8 ÷ 6 on decimal grids	Students complete in journals, using models
10 minutes	Small group focused on students having difficulty	Intervention using manipulatives and step-by-step guidance
5 minutes	Exit ticket: Write a sentence explaining how you modeled a division problem	Formative assessment to check understanding

Differentiation

• Provide decimal grids with visual cues for struggling learners.
• Use verbal math sentence starters for students needing language support.
• Provide challenge problems multiplying decimal quotients for advanced learners.

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Day 2: Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers Strategies

Standards:

• 5.NR.1.4
• 5.PAFR.1.2

Learning Objective

I can use place value strategies to divide decimals by whole numbers.

Success Criteria

• I can shift decimal places to make division easier.
• I can perform division using partial quotients and estimation.
• I can check my answers using multiplication.

Materials

• Place value charts
• Whiteboards for student practice
• Printed problem sets

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Notes
10 minutes	I do: Demonstrate shifting decimals and partial quotient division on 5.4 ÷ 3	Model thinking aloud, emphasize place value
15 minutes	We do: Students solve 6.3 ÷ 7 using strategy	Partner talk and whiteboard work
20 minutes	You do: Independent practice – 7.8 ÷ 4, 9.6 ÷ 8	Differentiated worksheets based on student readiness
10 minutes	Small group intervention for students struggling with partial quotients	Use manipulatives and step sequencing
5 minutes	Quick quiz: Estimate and solve 8.4 ÷ 7	Formative assessment

Differentiation

• Provide highlight strips to help focus on decimal digits for visual learners.
• Use sentence frames: “First I moved the decimal _______, then I divided ______.”
• Extension: Challenge students to create real-world problems involving decimal division.

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Day 3: Dividing Decimals by Decimals

Standards:

• 5.NR.1.4
• 5.PAFR.1.2

Learning Objective

I can divide decimals by decimals using strategies and models.

Success Criteria

• I can rewrite division problems by multiplying numerator and denominator.
• I can use area models or long division to solve decimal ÷ decimal problems.
• I can explain how decimal placement affects my answers.

Materials

• Whiteboards and markers
• Manipulatives (cubes, grids)
• Long division templates

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Notes
10 minutes	I do: Model 0.6 ÷ 0.3 by multiplying both by 10 and dividing whole numbers	Show work on board, emphasize moving decimal points
15 minutes	We do: Solve 1.2 ÷ 0.4 together using area model	Partner sharing to explain reasoning
20 minutes	You do: Independent practice with 0.9 ÷ 0.3, 2.4 ÷ 0.8	Use long division templates for support
10 minutes	Small group intervention focusing on decimal shifting	Use number line and manipulatives
5 minutes	Journal reflection: “How does moving the decimal help me divide decimals?”	Written response encourages metacognition

Differentiation

• Offer step cards with incremental instructions for struggling learners.
• Provide sentence starters for written reflection.
• Extension: Challenge students to explain division with decimals in a video or cartoon strip.

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Day 4: Real-World Application and Mastery

Standards:

• 5.NR.1.4
• 5.PAFR.1.2

Learning Objective

I can solve real-world problems involving decimal division.

Success Criteria

• I can choose an appropriate strategy to solve decimal division in word problems.
• I can model problems using drawings or equations.
• I can explain and justify my answer clearly.

Materials

• Word problem task cards
• Chart paper and markers
• Reflection journals

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Notes
10 minutes	I do: Model solving a money division problem (e.g., $5.40 ÷ 3) using a drawing and equation	Demonstrate multiple approaches
20 minutes	We do: Students work in mixed ability groups on 2-3 task cards, modeling and solving problems	Circulate, provide scaffolds as needed
20 minutes	You do: Independent problem-solving and reflection write-up	Choose preferred strategy and reflect on problem-solving choice
5 minutes	Share and discuss—highlight different strategies from groups	Build classroom math discourse
5 minutes	Exit ticket: Solve a new word problem explaining the strategy used	Formative assessment

Differentiation

• Provide sentence frames to support explanations.
• Offer pictorial aids for English language learners and struggling students.
• Extension: Students create their own real-world decimal division problems for peers to solve.

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Teacher Notes

• Group students heterogeneously for “We do” activities to promote peer modeling.
• Use formative assessments daily to guide intervention efforts.
• Incorporate math vocabulary consistently: quotient, divisor, dividend, decimal point, place value.
• Celebrate success by displaying student work illustrating different strategies.
• Encourage math talk to build confidence and deepen understanding.

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This unit ensures students build conceptual understanding and computational proficiency with decimal division aligned to Common Core precision, using scaffolds, visual models, and problem-solving approaches tailored to 5th graders’ developmental levels.