Learning the decimal place value is necessary to work with decimals. To familiarize sixth graders with place values, offer a list of 10 decimal numbers to each student in which the student must list the place value out from the decimal. The object of the game is for the students to quickly recognize and write the place value out from each decimal. The student that finishes first with all correct answers, or the most correct answers, is the winner.
Use purchasing items from a store on a budget to teach students how to add and subtract decimal places. Begin with an imaginary price list and give each student $1 in credit to purchase as many items as she can. The object of the game is to buy as many items as possible. The student with the most store items wins.
A fun way to teach students how to round decimals is by playing Decimal Round-Up. Give each student 10 cards with a different decimal number on each card along with two envelopes (one envelope should say “Up," the other "Down”). Allow each student time to write her name on both envelopes. Let the students separate their cards, placing each card in its appropriate envelope based on whether the decimal should be rounded up or down. You then take the envelopes to check students' work. The student with the most cards in the correct envelopes is the winner.
Multiplication of decimal places requires more strategy than adding and subtracting because the decimal place moves. To teach how decimal places affect the product of the multiplication, play decimal bingo. Offer each student a card with four answers, with some of those cards having the answer to each problem the teacher provides for the class. Have the students work out the problem and look for the answers on the bingo card. The student that has the card with all four answers wins the game.