Step-by-step explanation:
1. Use Fraction Bars
Students tend to understand area models well. They can take a rectangle and partition it into thirds, fourths, and so on. They can use fraction bars to compare and explain why one-half is greater than one-fourth.
So, let’s use what students are comfortable with to introduce fractions a number line.In the above activity, students will shade a bar diagram to represent a fraction. They then use the bar diagram to help them partition the number line. Finally, they plot the fraction.
You can choose to use this printable during small groups. There are three versions of this printable, so you can easily differentiate as needed.
The first version has the fractions listed on the page.
The second version has a spot for students to write a fraction.
The third version is the most challenging, because students need to partition the number line and plot the fraction.
2. Use a Math Sort
Students enjoy working on math sorts. It’s always a win when you can teach a challenging topic in a fun way. This activity not only gets students cutting/pasting, but it also encourages students to explain their thinking.
Step 1: Cut the cards
Step 2: Find the 4 fractions
Step 3: Find the bar model that matches the fraction
Step 4: Find the number line model that matches the fraction & bar model
Step 5: Explain how the three cards are related
Step 6: Glue 3. Get Students Moving!
Organize your students into groups and have them create a large number line model. They can use chart paper, tape, string or anything else you may have in your classroom.
The purpose is to get students moving and creating! I have typed up 5 different activity pages you can use with your students. They include a recording spot, so students can record what their number line looks like.
Group students
Each group receives an activity page
Students work together to draw and partition the number line
Students plot the fractions
Students record their number line on the paper provided
Students present their number lines to the class4. Cut & Paste – Mixed Numbers Practice Page
Fractions greater than one can be confusing when modeled on a number line. I follow the following steps:
Count the equal parts until you get to the first whole (one).
Label what fraction is equivalent to one. For example: 2/2 = 1
Continue counting the equal parts. For example: 3/2
Now let’s write the fraction greater than one as a mixed number.
Highlight the last whole number you pass. For example: 1
Count how many equal parts you have to jump from the whole number to get to the fraction greater than one5. Dodecahedron Project
I start by showing my students what the final project looks like. They are immediately super interested and ready to get to work. It’s always a win when you can get students excited about a difficult topic.
Have students complete the pages with pencil first
Check the problems
Allow students time to color
Cut the circles
Staple the circles together to form a dodecahedron
6. Interactive, Digital Math Centers
Engage students with these fun, interactive math centers. There are 2 practice files per standard. You could..
Assign via Google Classroom
Students can complete during math centers (desktops or iPads)
Complete whole-group using an interactive white board
. For example: 1/2
Write the mixed number: 1 1/2
