When I started teaching 3rd grade six years ago, I was a co-teacher and my part was Language Arts – not Math. So, I happily observed the teaching of fractions. The previous 8 years, I had taught 1st and 2nd grade where math is is much more concrete, so wow – this was a new experience! Now, 5 years later I am responsible for preparing 3rd graders for some very difficult problem solving with fractions – a very abstract concept. Understanding fractions and how they are used in everyday life is one thing..teaching 8 and 9 year old’s about fractions is another.
This year, my kiddos have struggled with mastering fractions. We have practiced with fraction bars, drawn pictures of fractions, talked about fractions, and so forth. But still they just weren’t getting it – and I could not get this off my mind!
Well, last weekend I was getting ready to go out to brunch with family – and suddenly I got an idea! And since I have an Obsessive Compulsive need to do things right now – it was a little difficult waiting until I got home. But I did and that idea turned out to be my newest resource …Comparing Fractions – True or False – Prove it! I knew that if I challenged my students to prove something, they would work really hard to do just that – and they did! I used it this past week and they really loved it! I put it in my math centers, and every single student completed it. The beauty of it is – I could quickly look and see whether they got it or not. I could also tie it to the 8 Mathematical Practices that I am implementing in my classroom this year – #1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them and #6 – Attend to Precision. So….the proverbial saying – killing two birds with one stone was definitely happening. Gotta love that!
If your 3rd or 4th graders are struggling with comparing fractions and you need a quick and easy math center OR you need a whole group practice worksheet – check it out! Here’s what is included:
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| Constructed Response for Fraction Cards – A |
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| Fraction Cards A Inequalities (16 cards) |
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| Fraction Cards A – Equivalent Fractions (8 cards) |
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| Constructed Response for Fractions Greater Than One Cards-B |
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| Fraction Cards B – Inequalities (16 cards) |
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| Fraction Cards B – Equivalent Fractions (8 cards) |
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| Challenging a Classmate Perfect for Differentiating your Fraction Center |
I hope you will try Comparing Fractions – True or False – Prove It! with your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th graders. I think you will find it as effective and challenging for your students as I have. Just follow this link to my TPT Store.
Rissa
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