Fractions to Decimals Students are given a "frien ly" fraction to convert to a de imal. They first model the fraction using a lOX 10 grid. With the model as a guide, they then write and draw an explanation for the decimal equivalent. A good sequence is to start with halves and fifths, then fourths, and possibly eighths. Students are asked to shade Y2of the decimal square. They then count how many tenths and how many hundredths to convert to decimals. Example Shade 1 2 of the decimal square divided into tenths. Count how many are shaded out of 10. 5/10 written in decimal form is .5 Shade 1 2 of the decimal square divided into hundredths. Coun how many are shaded out of 100. 50/100 written in decimal form is .50 Continue w ith the following: 1/5 2/5 3/5 1 4 2/4 % 1/8 2/8 3/8 4/8 5/8 6/8 7/8 This activity is taken from Tea hing Student-Centered Mathematics Grades 3-5 Van de Walle