Grade 5 Math Lesson Plan: Decimals — Tenths and Hundredths

Learning Objectives

• Read and write decimals to two decimal places in numbers and words.
• Explain the value of each digit in a decimal using a place-value chart.
• Change tenths and hundredths between fraction and decimal form (e.g. 7/10 = 0.7, 25/100 = 0.25).
• Compare and order decimals with up to two decimal places using and =.
• Place and read decimals on a number line.

Lesson Procedure

• Read the overview and success criteria before teaching.
• Lesson 1 — Tenths and hundredths (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Lesson 2 — Decimals and fractions (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Lesson 3 — Compare, order and number lines (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Use the matching PowerPoint, worksheet and assessment from this pack — the plan refers to their slide and part numbers.

Assessment

Exit tickets at the end of lessons 1 and 3. Worksheet: check Parts A–E with the answer key. Unit Assessment (22 marks) with score guide in the answer key. Performance task (rubric): "Decimal Shop" — students price 4 items, order them and explain one comparison.

Differentiation

Support: Keep hundred grids and tenths strips on the desk for every question. Challenge: Order sets that mix one and two decimal places and whole numbers (e.g. 2, 1.99, 2.1, 1.9). English language learners: Teach the two ways to read a decimal: "zero point three five" and "thirty-five hundredths".

Classroom Activity Ideas

• Decimal–Fraction Match (15 minutes, 3–4 students): Shuffle all cards and place them face down in rows. Players take turns to turn over two cards.
• Human Number Line (10 minutes, Whole class (10–12 students at a time)): Give 10–12 students a decimal card each. They stand on the floor line in order from smallest to largest without talking.
• Closer to 0 or 1? (5 minutes, Whole class): Say a decimal, e.g. 0.38. Students write 0 or 1 to show which whole number it is closer to.

Teacher Tips

Always read decimals as fractions at first ("forty-five hundredths"). It makes comparing easier. Keep one hundred grid displayed all week as an anchor chart.

What's Included

• 5-page lesson plan (PDF + editable DOCX)
• Lesson 1 — Tenths and hundredths (50 min)
• Lesson 2 — Decimals and fractions (50 min)
• Lesson 3 — Compare, order and number lines (50 min)
• Key vocabulary table, materials list and success criteria
• Differentiation (support, challenge, English language learners)
• Common misconceptions with fixes, and teacher tips

Additional Files

• Grade 5 Math Lesson Plan: Decimals — Tenths and Hundredths (DOCX)

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