Around Grade Four, students learn about decimals as parts of a whole. In plain terms, this means that by the end of the year, students should be able to read, write, add and subtract decimals to the hundredths. This new way of looking at numbers can be tricky, but the good news is that you can help your child develop their  skills using something you do every day: shop!

Our monetary system is a great way to practice using decimals to the hundreds place. In earlier grades, your child should have learned to recognize dollars and cents. Now take it to a new level: if you buy five sweaters for $19.99, what is the total cost? Add it up without rounding, and make sure your child can read out the exact total both in decimal numbers and in money terms.

Click here for another fun activity that will teach your child about decimals in the real world.