The $15 Math Station That Makes Decimals Click

 

The Ultimate Hands-On Decimals Review for Every Learner

If you're searching for a way to review math concepts, make learning genuinely fun, and appeal to a variety of learning styles—especially kinesthetic and visual learners—give this idea a try!

This simple, DIY activity uses jumbo building blocks to create a powerful, multi-sensory math station. Use it for your:

• Math stations and centers

• Small-group guided math

• Targeted pre-teaching tool

• Effective intervention strategy

  
  
  

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Why Hands-On Decimals Beat the Workbook

Some students can visualize any math concept effortlessly. But for many students, visualizing the true meaning of decimals—that a decimal represents a part of a whole—is not so easy. This activity bridges that gap!

The good news is you can create a high-impact, low-cost math center activity for just a few dollars. I store my set in a simple baggie and use it for guided math sessions. This activity makes complex decimal concepts both meaningful and fun.

This Block Activity Powerfully Reviews:

Concept	Benefit
Meaning and Representation	Visualizes that $0.3 cents is three-tenths of a whole.
Decimal Order	Allows students to physically compare sizes.
Adding Decimals	Helps students combine visual representations.
Subtracting Decimals	Allows students to visually remove parts.
Comparing Decimals	Provides an immediate, concrete explanation for why $0.5 > 0.4$.

How to Create These Decimal Blocks

You can easily source your materials! Many resale stores sell large building blocks. After a nice cleaning, they're as good as new. For around $15, you can purchase a new set of jumbo blocks at a local department store, making this a true budget-friendly resource.

Here are the three simple steps to create each block face:

1. Visual Representation: Using a permanent marker (black works best!), draw a long tenth rectangle. Shade in part of the rectangle to represent the value (e.g., shade one section for $0.1, two for $0.2, three for $0.3, and so on).

2. Numerical Form: On another side of the same block, write down the decimal's numerical equivalent (e.g., 0.3).

3. Word Form: On a third side, write down the decimal in word form (e.g., Three-Tenths).

Repeat this process for all tenths ($0.1 through $1.0).

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Task Cards: 5 Engaging Ways to Use the Blocks

Here are some possible tasks you can assign to groups or individuals using the decimal blocks:

1. Ordering Challenge: Place the blocks in number order from least to greatest. Use the visual side to prove the order is correct.

2. Visual Explanation: Using the blocks as a visual aid, explain why the shaded part correctly represents the decimal on each block (connecting the fraction $3/10 to the decimal $0.3).

3. Addition with Proof: Add the following decimal numbers (e.g., $0.3 + 0.40). Use the blocks to combine the shaded sections and check your answer.

4. Subtraction with Proof: Subtract the following decimal numbers (e.g., $0.8 - 0.20). Use the blocks to physically take away shaded sections and check your answer.

5. Comparison and Justification: Compare the following decimal numbers (e.g., $0.60 and $0.70). Using the shaded sections on each block, explain why one number is less than the other.

Access Decimal Task Cards