Recently, I was in a classroom when a fraction computation lesson was in progress. The teacher presented the students with two fractions to add. To give the "naked numbers" meaning, she asked the students to create a story problem using the numbers. The students who volunteered all used examples involving cookies or pies. Not sets of cookies, but pieces of cookies. It is not very often that cookies can be divided into equal parts. What this told me was that the teacher had done a pretty good job of presenting fractions in their edible versions. This is normal, but it doesn't help the student to develop a true understanding of fractions. When presented in only this form, it hinders their understanding of linear and set models of fractions. So, when students are presented with fractions in these other forms, they struggle.
What are some manipulatives, other than food, that you have used to help students develop their understanding of fractional concepts? Please share the manipulative and the way you used it. FRACTIONS ARE NOT JUST FOR FOODIES!
What are some manipulatives, other than food, that you have used to help students develop their understanding of fractional concepts? Please share the manipulative and the way you used it. FRACTIONS ARE NOT JUST FOR FOODIES!