Notes from gr.4 Fractions Block

Before writing a Fractions MLB, we spent some time just using the hands-on Montessori materials from Nienhuis (Cut-Out Labeled Fraction Circles and Activity Set 1). Now my student feels comfortable enough with fractions to begin to write a book explaining them to other people. We will begin with adding explanations for operations she knows how to do; then we will move into skills that are new to her and add them to the MLB as we go.

These notes will be updated as we go along.

Tue, Jan 4
What is a Fraction?

trace and name Cut-Out Labeled Fraction Circles (from a whole to 1/10)

explain what a fraction is (the top number is the fraction's quantity ie. how many, the bottom number is the fraction's name ie. what kind)

Wed, Jan 5

explain that fractions can be equivalent to each other (2/4 = 1/2)

show that a larger denominator actually equals a smaller piece, and do some >, <

+, -

explain that in order to add and subtract fractions, the name of the fraction must be the same

show sample problems

Thu, Jan 6
x by a whole number

explain that multiplying fractions by a whole number is the same as repeat addition

show sample problems

Mon, Jan 10
÷ by a whole number (sharing out fairly)

practice creating equivalent fractions

practice dividing a fraction by a whole number (using the Cut-Out Labeled Fraction Circles and the skittles from the Stamp Game)



add to MLB: explain how to create equivalent fractions (by multiplying or dividing the numerator AND denominator by the SAME number) and how to divide fractions by thinking about sharing them out fairly

Tue, Jan 11

move to Fractions Activity Set 2

explain terms "irreducible fraction," "mixed number," and "improper fraction"

practice finding the missing numerator or denominator of two equivalent fractions

practice converting improper fractions to mixed numbers

Wed, Jan 12
converting improper fractions to mixed numbers

more practice converting improper fractions to mixed numbers

add to MLB: how to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers

Thu, Jan 13

practice converting mixed numbers to improper fractions

explore the idea of a fraction of a group

"Describe Your Group," p.24 from from Math Investigations Book 3 by Susan Gardner and Silvia Acosta

Wed, Jan 19
converting mixed numbers to improper fractions

add to MLB: how to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

explore the idea of multiplying by a fraction by increasing the recipe for Golden Syrup Puddings by 1 1 /2 (6 portions instead of 4)

Mon, Jan 24

practice multiplying a fraction by a fraction (with song)

Tue, Jan 25

continued practice multiplying a fraction by a fraction

continued practice finding common factors to simplify fractions

introduction to dividing fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal


Making Math Meaningful: A Source Book for Teaching Math in Grades One Through Five
by Jamie York

Jamie York's book is the BEST for helping students to discover this "trick" for dividing fractions (page 84)

12 ÷ 6 = 2
how many times does 6 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 4 = 3
how many times does 4 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 3 = 4
how many times does 3 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 2 = 6
how many times does 2 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 1 = 12
how many times does 1 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 1/2 = 24
how many times does 1/2 fit into 12?

12 ÷ 1/3 = 36
how many times does 1/3 fit into 12?

1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 2
how many times does 1/4 fit into 1/2?

Wed, Jan 26
multiplying a fraction by a fraction or mixed number

practice multiplication facts with Do & Design Monsters
$3.75 on TpT

make a set of multiplication flash cards for at home use

add to MLB: multiplying a fraction by a fraction or mixed number

Mon, Jan 31

learn how to add fractions with different denominators

Tue, Feb 1

learn how to subtract fractions with different denominators

Wed, Feb 2
dividing a fraction by a fraction

add to MLB: dividing a fraction by a fraction

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