Practice determining the bigger decimal in the ones, tenths, and hundredths place with this “War” card game for 2 players.
Our Decimal War card game reinforces place value understanding by comparing decimal numbers in the ones, tenths, and hundredths.
To challenge their understanding, students will encounter cards with both leading zeroes and whole integers (before the decimal point) to help them visualize the full value of the number, not just the digits after the decimal.
Students Can Practice Decimals While They Play
This resource can be used as a math center activity, with your guided math group, or as a full class activity (see below) to practice ordering decimal numbers.
To play, shuffle all 30 cards and split the deck evenly between 2 players. At the same time, both players flip the top card of their deck face up in the middle of the playing area. Players decide which decimal is the largest. The player who laid down that card takes both cards and places them on the bottom of their pile. Play continues until one player has all of the cards.
More Ways to Practice Decimals + Scaffolding and Extension Tips
Use this resource to keep fast finishers busy, and to create full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more.
If students are struggling with the concepts, apply this game in your math intervention groups and reduce the deck of cards to reduce overwhelm. You can also invite students to use a visual reminder as a reference, like a math anchor chart.
Decimal Ordering & Rounding
Extend this activity by having students put the cards in order from least to greatest, or vice versa. You can also have students practice rounding the decimals to the nearest ones, tenths, and hundredths place value.
Scoot Activity
Place 2 decimal cards at each desk and give students a recording sheet. Pair up students and assign each to a starting point. Give students an appropriate amount of time to compare the decimal cards and write them as a number sentence using <, >, and = symbols and then say, “SCOOT.” At this time, the students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards.
Exit Activity
As a formative assessment after you go through your decimal lesson, pass out 2 cards and a sticky note (see our Sticky Note Printing Guide + Template) to each student. Students will write both numbers on the sticky note and the symbol for less than (<), greater than (>), or equal to (=) in between the decimals to complete the math sentence.
Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students
Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.
Before You Download
Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.
This resource was created by Lauren Blankenship, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter Collaborator.
If you’re looking for more decimals practice you’ve come to the right place! Check out these fun activities and resources:
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