Give your students the tools they need to confidently add and subtract decimal numbers! This resource takes the mystery out of decimals by connecting the skill back to place value knowledge and providing structured practice that gradually builds understanding.

Students often make mistakes with decimals because they don’t fully understand how to line up place value columns. This lesson helps bridge that gap with visuals, guided practice, and real-world connections so students see why the process works—not just how to do it.✨ In this lesson, students will:

• Review place value with whole numbers and decimals to the thousandths place.
• Learn how to correctly line up decimals when adding and subtracting.
• Solve problems using models
• Work through guided examples before moving into independent practice.
• Apply their learning to real-life scenarios (like money and measurement problems).
• Reflect on their progress with an exit ticket or quick check.

📂 What’s Included:

• Student-friendly anchor chart showing how to add and subtract decimals with place value
• Hands-on practice activities (modeling with base ten blocks, number lines, or grid visuals)
• Skill practice worksheets with a variety of problem types
• Real-world word problems for application and critical thinking
• Exit ticket/assessment for checking mastery
  

This lesson can be used for:

• Whole group instruction
• Small group intervention
• Math centers or stations
• Independent practice or homework
  

Aligned to 5th Grade Math Standards (adding and subtracting decimals to the hundredths using place value strategies and models).

Bring clarity and confidence to your classroom with this lesson that makes decimal operations accessible, visual, and meaningful for all learners!