Deco Trees are decomposition activities that synthesize fluency and problem solving skills. Their design and simple to complex sequences stimulate creativity, while guiding students to think more deeply about combining like and unlike units in part/whole relationships.

A simple activity that children can do alone, with a parent, or virtually with a partner.

1. Select one of the free Deco Trees.

2. Spend two to three minutes creating combinations of the given whole. Be sure to do several Create Your Own combinations.

3. Exchange Deco Trees with a partner and check each other’s work.

4. On the Blank Deco Tree Template, use the same number (or a similar one). Encourage children to stretch their thinking by creating challenging combinations.

5. Spend two to three minutes creating new combinations.

6. Exchange Deco Trees with a partner and check each other’s work.