Mission Impossible: Fraction and Decimals

My students, for whatever reason, are having the hardest time converting fractions to decimals and visa versa.  We have gone over the concept.  I have taught them the algorithms.  The kids have had plenty of hands on exposure to it.  However, they just aren't grasping the idea that 3/4 = 0.75 ALWAYS.  Even if it is paired with a whole number.  2 3/4 = 2.75, not 2.34.

So I am at my wits end.  With The TEST looming, I just need them to know the basic conversions.  So I am reverting to plain old memorization.  Yes, you read that right.  Memorization.  So I won't get teacher of the year for it...eh.  It is my mission....the ARE going to know those conversions.

My first plan of attack was to create a foldable of all the most common fraction/decimal/percents conversions they will encounter.

This paper is folded into thirds.  I then had the students cut 5 slits on the top.

When the first flap was opened, the students put all of the equivalent fractions on the top.  Then the equivalent decimal on the next available space.

Finally, the bottom flap (which has been cut into matching 5 slits) opens up to reveal the percent and fractional picture.

These foldables are in the students' math journals.  They have been referencing them a lot.  My hope is that eventually seeing this enough will get the facts in their head.  BUT if that doesn't work, I have games.  Games, games, games, and some more games.

I already told you about the Go Fish game that the kids are playing (click here to read the post in its entirety).  It is really helping them to get the mathematical formula down.   They get to practice the algorithm for regular fractions to decimals to percents down.  They are having a great time with this one, and it has worked its way into our Math Workshop rotation.

For another little fun game, the students are playing Bingo.  They wrote the most common fractions and decimal conversions down.  Then, when I call a number, say 1/3, the students have to find the EQUIVALENT decimal for it.  So on their board, they would actually cover up 0.33, NOT 1/3.  This requires an extra bit of thinking, but the kids are doing it and having a great time!  I see the facts just searing into their brains.  This game is available at my TpT store.  I do have the blank boards for you for free!  Just click here.  Here is it for you!

Mixed numbers are another hurdle for us.  So I created this Fraction and Decimal Memory game.   It is played very similarly to the Greek and Latin Root Memory game, but there are actually mixed numbers thrown in with the regular fractions.  What I really like about this game is that the kids are saying the fractions and decimals aloud, which is an added bonus.  Hearing the equivalencies is really benefiting my auditory learners and making the physical matches is more for my kinesthetic learners.  I also like this game because the kids are helping each other!  Those who are a bit stronger with the memorization are able to help those who aren't quite there yet.  Win-win for everyone.

All of the games are available at my TpT store.

So there you have it.  I am DETERMINED to get these kids to know these fractions, even if that means we have to do a little memorization here and there.  So far, it seems to be working.  Only time will tell though...

What do you do to get your students to master those tough to master tasks?