Fifth Grade · Math · week 2

Decimals to thousandths

Read, write, and identify the value of digits in decimals through the thousandths place.

Decimals extend place value to the right of the decimal point: tenths, hundredths, thousandths. Each new place is ten times smaller than the one before it, continuing the exact same pattern whole-number places already follow.

In 0.427, the 4 is worth 4 tenths, the 2 is worth 2 hundredths, and the 7 is worth 7 thousandths. We read the whole decimal by its last place: "four hundred twenty-seven thousandths."

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Draw a place-value chart with three labeled columns after the decimal point: tenths, hundredths, thousandths.
  • Point out that each place is 10 times smaller than the one before it -- the same rule as whole-number places, just heading the other direction.
  • Practice reading decimals aloud by their last-place name ("four hundred twenty-seven thousandths") rather than digit by digit.
  • Money stops at hundredths (cents), so for thousandths reach for a metric ruler or a measuring context instead.
Talk about it:
  • How is the thousandths place related to the hundredths place?
  • Why do we call 0.427 "four hundred twenty-seven thousandths"?
  • Where might you see three decimal places in real life?

Mastery looks like: They can identify the value of any digit through the thousandths place and read or write the decimal in words.

Common stumbles: Reading digits one at a time instead of using the place-value name; miscounting how many places a digit sits from the decimal point.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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