Waldorf Block: G5: Fifth Grade Math: Decimals, Metric & Measurements

In the Earthschooling Waldorf fifth-grade math curriculum, students embark on an exciting journey into the world of decimals through a dedicated main lesson block. This block, often called "Decimal Fractions" or included with "Metric System & Measurements," builds on students' prior knowledge of fractions to introduce the nuances of decimal numbers. The Waldorf fifth-grade decimals block offers a vibrant and engaging approach to learning about decimals. By weaving together academic concepts with imaginative and practical activities, it cultivates a deep understanding and appreciation for these important mathematical tools. Join Waldorf teacher Mr. Andrea for an adventure through Fifth Grade Math. Each Living Lesson set is a complete video course for the block and includes chalkboard drawings, teacher instruction, main lesson book drawings, music, watercolor, and more. The exact contents of the block can be found below in the description.

Waldorf Fifth Grade Decimals Block: Unveiling the World of Decimal Fractions
In the Earthschooling Waldorf fifth-grade math curriculum, students embark on an exciting journey into the world of decimals through a dedicated main lesson block. This block, often called "Decimal Fractions" or included with "Metric System & Measurements," builds on students' prior knowledge of fractions to introduce the nuances of decimal numbers. The Waldorf fifth-grade decimals block offers a vibrant and engaging approach to learning about decimals. By weaving together academic concepts with imaginative and practical activities, it cultivates a deep understanding and appreciation for these important mathematical tools.
What is the Earthschooling Waldorf Decimals Block?
The decimals block is a focused period of learning, typically lasting several weeks, where students delve deeply into understanding, working with, and applying decimal numbers. It's not just about memorizing rules, but about developing a meaningful understanding through imaginative instruction, historical context, and practical application.
Key Concepts Explored:
  • Place Value: Students explore the decimal system and understand the significance of each digit's position.
  • Reading and Writing Decimals: They learn to read and write decimal numbers accurately.
  • Comparing and Ordering Decimals: Students develop the ability to compare the value of different decimal numbers.
  • The Four Operations with Decimals: Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimal numbers is practiced through various exercises and word problems.
  • Rounding: Students learn to round decimals to different place values.
  • Fraction-Decimal Conversions: Understanding the relationship between fractions and decimals is a crucial aspect of this block.
  • Real-World Applications: Decimals are explored in practical contexts like money, measurements, and time.
Engaging Learning Through the Waldorf Method:
The Waldorf approach emphasizes holistic learning, and the decimals block incorporates this philosophy. Students engage with decimals through:
  • Stories and History: Exploring the history of decimal fractions adds a captivating narrative to the learning process.
  • Chalkboard Drawings and Main Lesson Books: Visual aids and artistic expression solidify concepts.
  • Hands-on Activities: Practical tasks and creative exercises deepen understanding and foster mathematical fluency.
  • Real-World Problem Solving: Word problems and practical scenarios help students see the relevance of decimals in everyday life.
Why is this Block Important?
The decimals block is foundational for future math studies, especially in areas like business math and algebra. It equips students with the essential skills and understanding of decimal numbers, preparing them for more complex mathematical concepts.

Living Lessons are video lessons where a teacher leads the class through the main lessons for this grade. You can use these lessons as examples to follow for your own teaching or can use them as supplements to your own teaching (we all need a break now and then. I would have loved to have these available on days I was ill or was taking care of my fussy baby). Scroll down to the class listings below to see the full syllabus and to view some free samples!

“Join Waldorf teacher Mr. Andrea for an adventure through Fifth Grade Math. In this first fractions block, we will explore decimal-fractions through their history and application through various times and places, giving the students an interesting context to bring these operations to life and lay the foundation for higher math functions such as business math and algebra later on. Students will learn and practice the four operations, rounding, expanded notation, fraction-decimal conversions, money, and place value with decimal-fractions. Each Living Lesson set is a complete video course for the block and includes chalkboard drawings, teacher instruction, main lesson book drawings, music, watercolor, and more. The exact contents of the block can be found below in the description.”

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Your Instructor


Nicholas Andrea
Nicholas Andrea

Nicholas Andrea now resides in the lush woodlands of northern Delaware with his family after spending the last six years teaching at the Asheville Waldorf School in North Carolina as a grades, music, and aftercare teacher. Nicholas earned his Waldorf Elementary and Music certifications at Sunbridge Institute in Spring Valley, NY. He is passionate about the Waldorf curriculum and believes in its ability to raise capable, compassionate, and creative human beings. After the birth of their son last October, Nicholas and his partner Cassie wanted more time at home with their baby which has led Nicholas to finding Earthschooling.

Nicholas is also passionate about music, speech arts, and history. Known in other circles as “The Bard,” Nicholas’s lifelong love of music has led him to a variety of instruments including world percussion, dijeridoo, flutes of various kinds, and Irish and Scottish bagpipes. He is also a published poet, and he spends his spare time plumbing the mysteries of world history in order to understand how we got where we are and where we go from here.


Course Curriculum


  Free First Lesson Samples (Members Ignore This Section)
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  Main Opening Verse
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  Fifth Grade Math Block: Part One: Decimals
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  Fifth Grade Math: Part Two: The Metric System, Area, and Perimeter
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