Math Magic Time!

Let’s Go Step by Step:

First comes the line-up, then comes the sum. Repeat after me: “Line them up, add them down!”

1. Write all the numbers one below the other. Make sure the decimal points are friends, standing straight in a line!
2. If any number has fewer digits, add zeros to the end to make it match. Zeros are helpers—they don’t change the value but keep things neat.
3. Add column by column from right to left, just like you learned with whole numbers. Don’t forget to bring the decimal point down into your answer!

Let’s Try Together:

We want to add these three numbers: 1.2 + 3.45 + 0.789.

Here’s how we do it:

   1.200
+  3.450
+  0.789
---------
   5.439
        

“Line them up, add them down!” See how the decimal points stayed in their places? That’s what makes this magic work!

Tips for Superhero Parents:

• Use real-life examples like money (coins and bills) or measuring ingredients while cooking.
• Draw grids on paper to help kids visualize lining up decimals.
• Encourage repetition with small problems before moving to bigger ones. Practice makes perfect!