Teaching Fractions and Rational Numbers with Manipulatives
The cost of fractions and decimals manipulative kits is $712, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
What is there about fractions that make them so difficult for students to understand? Prior to their work with fractions students have explored ideas about the set of cardinal numbers and a subset of the cardinal numbers, counting numbers. It is difficult for students to shift from the additive thinking required for cardinal numbers to the relative thinking required for rational numbers. The difficulty with understanding rational numbers is students must begin to think relatively instead of additively. Yet, they do not understand the need for a change in their thinking and all too often experience difficulty in mathematics beginning with fractions. This lack of understanding continues through middle school in many cases.
Physical models help students shift their thinking by developing ideas about rational numbers as they are related to the “unit.” They understand that one-half is an idea and that one-half is relative to the size of the unit. When students are asked to memorize rules they do not understand, they begin to lose interest in mathematics because it does not “make sense.” Physical models help students make sense of fractions and allow them to develop “rules” on the basis of their own thinking and explorations; physical models validate the students' thinking. Students need to understand and represent fractions and rational number concepts.
Using a variety of concrete models is important for my students and will help to "bridge the gap" in their thinking about fractions creating a seamless transition to decimals and percents. My objective is to promote a love of mathematics and increase students understanding. There is no greater joy than watching student's faces when you know you have had a "teachable moment" because you can see they understand. Hands-on experiences are important as they help promote higher order thinking skill.
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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. Adair Anderson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.