Make Decimal Notation Less Puzzling!

Word form, standard form, expanded notation… OH MY! Do your students need some practice with representing decimals in different ways? Teach Starter has you covered with our set of decimal form puzzles!

This resource contains 13 different three-piece puzzles. To complete the activity, give students the cut-apart puzzle cards. Students will work independently or together to find the correct matches. Each completed puzzle will show the number in:

• Standard form
• Word form
• Expanded notation

This resource downloads as a colour printable PDF or editable Google Slides file.

Through this decimal notation activity, students will show they can represent decimals through the thousandths place using word form, expanded notation and numerals.

Multiple Uses for This Decimal Place Value Game

Looking for some fresh ideas for implementing this decimal notation resource in your classroom? Check out the suggestions below from our experienced teacher team:

• Silent Match-Up – Give each student in the class a puzzle piece. Without speaking, students need to find the students with the other pieces that will complete their puzzle. You can make this a competition with a small reward being offered to the first group to finish.
• Relay Race – Divide students into two team lines and give each student a mini whiteboard. Show a puzzle piece to the students at the front of each line. The student who writes a correct decimal form (standard, expanded or word) first wins the flashcard. The team with the most flashcards at the end of the game wins!
• Scavenger Hunt – Place the puzzle pieces around the room. Students must work together to find the pieces and create the puzzles. (Note: Be prepared for a little classroom chaos if you choose this activity!)

Download to Use These Decimal Notation Puzzles

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Cut apart the pieces and place them in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Megan Cargile, a Teach Starter collaborator. 

Click to Explore More Decimal Activities

If this has piqued your interest in Teach Starter’s decimals resources, then you’re in luck! We have plenty more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created worksheets and games for you to download!

teaching resource

Diving Into Decimals Interactive Game

Use this interactive activity to take a deep dive into decimals while improving skills with decimal operations and place value concepts.

teaching resource

Plotting Decimals Number Line Worksheet

Practise identifying decimals on number lines with a decimal number line worksheet.

teaching resource

Decimals on Number Lines Task Cards for Year 5

Sharpen your year 5 students’ abilities to identify decimals on a number line with a set of task cards.