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How to teach a 7yr old fractions and decimal conversions?

12 replies

LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops · 26/09/2013 13:38

Hi,
I'm looking for inspiration to teach DS how to convert fractions into decimals.
Can anybody pass on any tips or point me towards suitable websites / books?
Thanks

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LaVitaBellissima · 26/09/2013 13:39

You tube - it has the answers to everything!

Picklesauage · 26/09/2013 13:55

It's actually easier to do decimals and then fractions.

This is because decimals conform to the basic mathematical principles (count to 10 - base 10). However fractions can use any base to count in quarters count in 4's etc.

But I normally explain that decimals are 10ths (0.1), 10 of them make up 1. Just like 10 units make a ten etc.

Then show that tenths can be represented in a different way, fractions. Then show them as 1/10. Work with just tenths until the concept is clear.

Then start with differing denominators (bottom fraction number).
Drawing, cutting etc.

Hope that helps.

TeenAndTween · 26/09/2013 14:01

That is quite advanced for 7 years old.

Make sure he understands that 0.1 is the same as 1/10th
As that won't necessarily have been pointed out.


Pizza slices always works well for me for fractions.


If you are just learning the conversions, then having grasped the above point, you should be able to get that 2/10 = 0.2 etc.
Does he already know that 2/4 = 4/8 etc? Then 1/4=25/100=0.25

If you are really converting anything then you'll need to cover converting his factions into something over 10 or over 100 or 1000, or long division of numerator by denominator (but this would be hard for 7yr old).

juniper9 · 26/09/2013 14:07

What does he already know about fractions and dividing? That is not on the normal curriculum for year 2 or 3, so I'd hope he has enough background knowledge of the ideas first, otherwise you'll completely confuse him.

richmal · 26/09/2013 14:19

I think dd was around this age when I did this so here's what I did:
Once she was used to fractions being shown by colouring parts of a shape I drew some circles and divided them into ten. I could then colour in four tenths, seven tenths or whatever.
A few lessons later I related this to a number line and there being 10 divisions between zero and one. Then show how the decimal point is used to denote tenths by the number to the right of it meaning tenths.
This can then be extended to a segment representing a tenth being divided into 10 to represent a hundreth.

maillotjaune · 26/09/2013 14:29

Someone gave us the little plastic blocks of equivalent fractions you can buy. Neither of my older 2 looked twice at it.

A sheet of paper with a line showing ten tenths labelled up 0.1 etc on top and 1/10 etc underneath.

Then we put on half way as 5/10 = 1/2 and talked through it that way.

Pizza also worked with DS1 but DS2 hates the stuffGrin

maree1 · 26/09/2013 23:18

khan academy online have most answers and explain it all well

friday16 · 27/09/2013 11:43

Make sure he understands that 0.1 is the same as 1/10th

Make sure he understands that 0.10 is the same as 0.1. You're be surprised...

cornflakegirl · 27/09/2013 11:54

BBC Bitesize maths - this page on decimals is really good, and there are some really good games to reinforce the knowledge

drwitch · 27/09/2013 11:56

money as she will know that
1/2 pound = 50p = £0.50

cornflakegirl · 27/09/2013 11:57

(Hmm... apparently my use of adjectives is absolutely shocking!)

The Usborne Junior Maths Dictionary is also very clear and easy to read.

LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops · 27/09/2013 16:42

Thanks so much everyone, some good ideas here.
The BBC Bitesize website is great, I can't believe I didn't know about it, there's so much on it. I've also ordered the Usbourne book.
The Khan Academy looks good too - again, I'd never heard of it - I need to register/sign in etc - which I'll do in due course.
I appreciate the tips and time you've taken to write them too.
Many, many thanks All.

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