Question:
I am wondering if you can suggest any strategies for teaching operations with positive and negative decimal numbers that do not rely on rules that must be memorized? Every resource that I have been able to find on this topic either requires memorization or estimation of the non-decimal portion of the numbers first. Thanks for you help!

There are "integer tiles" on the market which are excellent for teaching about integers. I have used these with students and teachers and once you know how to use them, it makes everything very clear. The tiles as well as a binder with photocopiable worksheets are available through Exclusive Educational Products, page 61.

Diane