Rounding Decimals Anchor Chart for Fifth Grade Math Classroom

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I used to teach third-grade math, but now I’ve moved to fifth-grade math.

Whereas in third grade we were working on rounding whole numbers, in fifth grade we are working on rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, tenth, or hundredth.

To help my students understand this concept better, I made this rounding decimals anchor chart to display on my classroom wall.

My third-grade rounding anchor chart uses some of the same concepts of how to round.

However, when students see decimals, they just seem to freak out. (This is one reason why I made a multiplying decimals anchor chart as well.)

This rounding anchor chart with its catchy sayings is part of how I teach rounding decimals to my 5th graders.

At this point, I’ve already taught them place value, so they can identify the ones, tenths, and hundredths place, etc. It helps to have this anchor chart, though, to refer back to for place value as well.

Rounding Decimals ANCHOR CHART

My 5th Grade Rounding Decimals Anchor Chart

When teaching rounding, make sure that students understand the “why” of rounding before teaching the jingle found on this rounding decimals anchor chart.

That being said, here is the catchy saying displayed on my anchor chart.

rounding decimals fifth grade anchor chart

1. Mark your place, and then look next door.

I tell them to put a little underline under the place value that they’re trying to round.

If rounding to the nearest whole number, put a little underline under the ones places.

If rounding to the tenths place, underline the tenths position, etc.

Then, draw a little arrow to the “next door” number.

You’ll want to teach them that the number that rounding depends on is the number to the right.

2. 5 or greater, add one more.

If the next-door neighbor is 5 or more, then they’ll add one to the number that’s underlined.  If it’s less than 5, the underlined number will stay the same.

3. Numbers in the front stay the same.

Anything in front of the number that’s underlined will not be rounded and will have the same value after rounding.

4. Numbers behind, zero’s their name.

Everything after the underlined number will become zero.  The zeros don’t necessarily need to be written, but I find it helps my students to go through the process of zeroing these numbers out.

Creating the Anchor Chart As a Class

When it comes time to create your rounding decimals anchor chart, I recommend creating the anchor chart with your class.

By involving the students in the process of creation, it helps them to understand and visualize the concept better.

 

So, how do you teach rounding to your fifth graders?

Interested in math anchor charts? This anchor chart is part of my Top 10 Math Anchor Charts I use in my classroom.