Addition of Decimals with Base Ten Blocks

Base ten blocks (cubes, longs, and flats)
Printable mat
Expression page
Cut-out numbers
Teacher Created Resources Foam Base Ten Set (20617)
Prep-Work:

Print the mat, expression page, and numbers.
Cut out the numbers.
Gather base ten blocks (cubes for hundredths, longs for tenths, flats for ones).
Adding Steps:

Set Up the Problem:

Have the student draw six numbers and place them on the expression mat. For example, for adding 3.22 + 5.94:
Place three flats (ones) on the mat.
Place two longs (tenths) in the tenths place.
Place two cubes (hundredths) in the hundredths place.
Add Hundredths:

Add four hundredths to the hundredths place (since 5.94 has four hundredths). Now you have six hundredths in total.
Add Tenths:

Add nine tenths to the tenths place (from 5.94). You now have 11 tenths.
Regroup: Exchange 10 tenths (longs) for 1 one (flat), adding it to the ones place.
Add Ones:

Add five ones (flats) to the ones place.
Result Calculation:

Count the total base ten blocks in each place value:
9 flats (ones)
1 long (tenths)
5 cubes (hundredths)
The final answer is 9.15.
Activity Summary:
This hands-on activity engages students in understanding decimal addition and subtraction through tactile manipulation of base ten blocks, reinforcing their comprehension of place value and regrouping.