Do you remember studying fractions as a kid? They can be one of the most challenging math concepts to understand in elementary school, especially when you start adding, subtracting, and converting them. Hands-on fraction sets make fraction concepts much more "real" and understandable.
My students are hard-working, energetic 4th graders who love "learning by doing!" They really enjoy activities that have them working together, building, creating, and discussing ideas.
We have a strong sense of community in our classroom, and the students are quick to support and help one another.
We are in a small school district in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Over 40% of my students are on free-and-reduced lunch.
My Project
These resources will allow my students to work with fractions "hands on" every day. We will have one fraction kit for each small group of 4 students. Students will work together to solve problems and develop a more concrete understanding what fractions are and how different fractions relate to one another (What does 1/16 look like? Which is larger 1/2 or 1/3? How much do I have if I add 1/4 to 1/8? etc). The cooperative learning activities promote a warm, supportive learning environment where students feel safe enough to challenge themselves. The fraction games will continue to develop student understanding during their "free play" time each week.
Fraction concepts are incredibly important to learn, and yet too often students move on to higher grades without understanding what fractions truly represent.
The lessons and activities I develop with these fraction manipulatives will give my students a solid foundation of fraction concepts that they can build on in the years to come. I wish these types of manipulatives were used in school when I was a kid, don't you? Thank you for considering this project and for supporting public schools!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Giddings and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.