Karyn's Blog

Beginning Fraction Work

March 20, 2013 webmaster Comments 0 Comment

I’ve said it before, but it’s important to say it again…understanding fractions begins with understanding the whole and the pieces that make it up. The question below is a good way to get students to reflect on the idea that, with fractions, each piece names one equal part. The CCSSM identifies each part as a ‘unit fraction’. Posing this question is a great opportunity to focus on the CCSSM Standards for Mathematical Practice, Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning…

Fractions: Understanding the Whole

January 5, 2013 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Getting students to understand fractions begins with an understanding of the ‘whole’. Take a look at the three designs in the photo. Begin with the question, “What do you notice?” Students will say obvious things like, “There is one hexagon and two trapezoids in the first design”, or “The center design is the largest.” Accept and encourage all these responses as they will help students build confidence. If no-one offers the idea that each design is half red, prompt them…

CCSS: Fractions

December 17, 2012 Karyn Comments 0 Comment

Following recipes is a great way to sneak in some important work in fractions. Doubling or cutting in half a recipe gives kids an opportunity to understand fractions in the context of a real-world problem. The photo above shows a way to get kids to think about larger fractions/numbers being made up of unit fractions. You could also segue into a discussion on equivalent fractions and the multiplication of fractions. For example, 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2 and 3 x…