Author: Carolyn Cope

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Who knows I’m too afraid!!!

Smashin’ The Fraction Fear!!

An Introduction to Fractions

For the next several weeks in our math class we will be studying fractions. Did you know that fractions can be found all around us? Whenever you cook, you automatically use fractions. Do you ever go to a pizza parlor and wonder why your pizza is not cut up “fairly?” Do you ever tell your kids to share? YES! Did you ever think that learning all there is to know about fractions could be fun and not something to fear? My goal as a teacher in this lesson is to help the students understand that they can create fractions with everyday materials. Also, I want the students to understand that fractions can be found within their environment while we explore the world of math.
We will be doing cooking, eating, and playing games using various manipulatives that will encourage creativity and higher order thinking skills in the minds of the students. Furthermore, we will work together to lessen the anxiety that sometimes comes with working with fractions as well as with math in its entirety. Because I know that your child will enjoy this unit, don’t be surprised if he/she comes home and begins cooking and showing you fractions you never thought about!!

Now is this 1/2 of 2 or 2/3 of 6?

East Franklin Elementary School

Volume 1, Issue 1

February 2003

Special points of interest:
Fractions are everywhere.
Can you find them?
Can you create them?
Can you analyze them?
Can you use them to develop problem solving skills?
YES! YES! YES!

Contained in this issue:

A special note from the teacher:
What will I learn?

What will I need?	2
Unit Calendar	2

By the end of this unit your child will be able to identify what makes an equivalent fraction. They will further be able to compare and order fractions according to the denominator. They will also be involved with the addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike and like denominators as well as learning how to multiply fractions by a whole number. Along with these curriculum requirements, I want your student not to fear the concept of fractions or math at all. I want math to become meaningful to them as well as fun! If you have any questions do not hesitate to email me at copesx5@cs.com or call the school at 524-3216.

What Will I Need?

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There will be many opportunities for your child to participate in interactive learning techniques during this unit. Because I want them to engage in hands on activities to help them learn the concepts of fractions, I will need to begin collecting the objects that they can work with. Listed below are items that each child will need to be responsible for bringing to school no later than March 10, 2003.
Small bag of M&M’s
3 egg cartons
Colored pencils
Crayons
$1.00 per student for the cost of pizza for pizza party.
Also, if you have the following materials at home and would like to donate for this unit please send them in.
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Paper towels
Bowls (any size)
Yarn
Waxed paper
These items will be used to help us with our ordering and identification of fractions. I will also contact you later in the unit for party food contributions for our Fraction Celebration at the end of the unit

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If Josh can run 1/4 of a mile in two minutes, then how many miles can he run in 8 minutes? Who is Josh?

Inside Story Headline

Day 1 - Introduce Fractions
Students will use pies and M&M’s to help them understand the concept of a whole.
Day 2 - Fraction Blocks
Students will use multicolored blocks that will help them analyze the concepts of numerator and denominator.
Day 3 - Water Fun with Fractions
Students will use measuring cups and water to explore the concept of adding fractions with like denominators.
Day 4 - Cooking Southern Style
Students will use real life applications in the understanding of adding factions with like denominators.
Day 5 - Recipe Fun
Assessment
Day 6 - Subtracting Fractions the Ooh La-La Way.
Students will use Cuisenaire rods to introduce the concept of subtracting fractions.
Day 7 - Subtraction with Fraction Action
Students will play a game using the concept of subtracting fractions.
Day 8 - A Fraction of an Egg
Students will use egg cartons to demonstrate the concept of ordering fractions.
Day 9 - Informal assessment of the subtraction of fractions.
Day 10 - Fraction, Fraction, Fraction
Students will begin to explore the relationship between equivalent fractions.
Day 11 - As the Plate Turns
Students will understand that fractions have counterparts that while they look different, they are equivalent.
Day 12 - EZ Fraction
Students will receive re-enforcement of the concept of equivalent fractions.
Day 13 - Manipulative Day
Students will use manipulatives created to help with the understanding of equivalent fractions.
Day 14 - Another Fraction of an Egg
Students will be introduced to the concept of multiplying fractions by a whole number.
Day 15 - Connecting the Cubes
Students will be provided with concrete experiences of fraction work with a creative approach to problem solving.
Day 16 - Fraction Flips
Students will use riddles that incorporate problem solving and fractions together.
Day 17 - Math Journal
I will individually conference with each student.
Day 18 - Twisting with Fractions
Students will play the game Twister which will contain an extra “twist” to teach the students to use fraction concepts in the abstract.
Day 19 - Fraction Sums
Overall review of all concepts.
Day 20 - Fraction Fun Party!!

Page #

Volume 1, Issue 1

Smashin’ The Fraction Fear!!