I cannot believe that it's already Wednesday! Time is flying by. My students are on the countdown to summer. They only have 6 1/2 more days!!! There are so many things to fit in at the end of the year...
My last post was about multiplication.... and today's post is about fractions. I am on this math kick right now. I have been examining the new Common Core standards and looking at ways I can/need to improve some of the curriculum I teach. Fractions are very heavily studied in third grade with the Common Core standards. I LOVE to teach the introduction of fractions and all the cute ideas that can be brought in with the introduction of the concept.. BUT reducing fractions to lowest terms, and mixed fractions, and equivalent fractions... I need to
work on find wonderful resources when teaching these concepts to my students.
Here are a few things I am adding/have added to my fraction unit for next year.
Literature.. of course... I love using literature to introduce math concepts. Here is my favorite book for fractions:
Click on the picture to go to the free worksheets that go along with this book. They were created by Emily Rush.
AND also.. games for the computer and our classroom IPAD. I LOVE using these on our Promethean board also. Check out this fabulous site. This school has created a page with games from several different sites that teach many different fraction concepts. Simply click on the picture below to be taken to this site. LOVE!
Don't forget the FOLDABLES! I love using foldables with my students They really enjoy this, and I think it's a great way to reinforce the concepts my students are learning. I created a foldable for reducing some fractions to their lowest terms. This is such a difficult concept for 3rd grade. They are still trying to master those multiplication and division facts. I chose 3 common fractions that students need to know or be able to visualize that go on the pocket foldable. They are 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4. I created fraction cards to go in each of these foldables. Students have to determine the fraction's lowest term. Here's a picture. You can click on it to get your free download of the cards and directions. It's part of the Fearless Fraction Math Station unit I created.
And a shout-out.... Amber from over at Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher has the perfect item for reviewing fractions with your students...Fraction Frenzy Task cards These are perfect to use before testing. They are on sale right now for $1.60. Wow!! Click on the picture below to be see more.
I have really enjoyed using engaging/hands-on math stations with my students. It's a great way to review concepts taught and also help in understanding of a concept. I created 6 fraction stations for my students in this unit called Fearless Fractions Math Stations. I can't wait to use these with my kiddos next year. The six stations include:
1. Word fractions- students use their spelling list to create fractions
from their words such as fraction of consonants and fraction of vowels.
2. Fraction Film Review Board Game- This game reviews concepts of
identifying fractions, adding and subtracting fractions of like
denominators, and reducing fractions to lowest terms.
3. Pizza Fractions- Students are given pizza mats with pizzas divided
into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths. There are also pizza
topping cards and pizza fraction cards. Students must decide by looking
at the pizza fraction card which pizza to use and how much of the pizza
gets the toppings.
4. Mixed Up Match Ups- This game is played like "Old Maid" except the
card is the "Mixed-up Elephant". Students are to match cards of
equivalent fractions. ( Pictures are included at the bottom of the card
to help in matching)
5. Frenzied Fractions in Action- Students have flash cards of adding
and subtracting fractions of the same denominator. Students race to the
finish line in this game.
6. Fraction Foldable- This is a pocket foldable that included fraction
cards. In this activity, students create a foldable. Then they must use
the fraction cards and place them in the pockets they belong. This
concept involves reducing fractions to their lowest form. The fractions
will be reduced to either 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4.
Click on the picture to visit this unit at my TPT store.
I'm having a FLASH Sale on this item until tomorrow at 8 A.M. You can get this Fearless Fraction Math Stations Unit for half price( $1.50) until then. AND as a thank you, the first 3 to comment with a fraction activity you use, will get this for free. Please leave your e-mail with your comment so that I can send it to you.
Have a fabulous evening! The weather is SO gorgeous here, and my kiddos are in full swing with ball practice. Their games begin this weekend, and I can't wait.
I'll have to share later with you my new FAVORITE item for taking pictures of my kiddos and videos of their games.
