Comparing Decimals

Students are getting to the point in their math decimals unit where they are comparing fractions.  Therefore, they are looking at 0.1 more/less and 0.01 more/less, along with then increasing this amount to find numbers that fit their clues.  Today we introduced this concept using place value mats, with places consisting of tens, one, tenths, hundredths, and place value chips.  First we practiced building given numbers using these tools, and then we extended this knowledge of find more and less than numbers with clues.  Using manipulatives helps us build our understanding of the concept, and to see it visually before we enter the abstract math world.  Comparing numbers will also have us ordering and using our >, <, and = signs again.