This video illustrates three different models for representing fractions: length, area, and set. Different concrete tools are available to illustrate the different fraction models including fraction tiles, fraction circles, Cuisenaire Rods, Geoboards, and different colored objects such as chips or clips. Many students struggle with fractions; for this reason, students should have multiple opportunities to explore fractions with a variety of models. When students understand how to use concrete models, they will develop the skills that are necessary to develop mental models and reasoning strategies related to fractions. Students should also have the opportunity to use different models to solve the same types of problems and discuss connections between the models.
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This video demonstrates how to use fraction circles to compare the value of fractions with unlike denominators. This example compares 5/6 and 5/8. In this example students can see that 5/6 is greater than 5/8. This will help them understand that although 8 is larger than 6, sixths are larger than eighths in fractions. Using fractions circles allows students to develop a solid conceptual understanding of how to compare fractions correctly.
This video demonstrates how to use fraction tiles to explore how different fractions can be equivalent to the same value, such as 1/2. It is important for students to understand that fractions have multiple representations because they can apply this knowledge to compare fractions, especially fractions with unlike denominators. For example, students can use the benchmark of 1/2 to determine that 1/4 is less than 4/6 by knowing that the equivalent fractions of 1/2 include 2/4 and 3/6.
This video demonstrates how to use fraction tiles to explore how different fractions can be equivalent to the same value, such as 1/5 and 2/10. It is important for students to understand that fractions have multiple representations because they can apply this knowledge to compare fractions, find common denominators, and perform computation with fractions.
This video illustrates the use of manipulatives to help students practice counting skills such as correspondence and cardinality. When students practice counting with manipulatives they learn to recognize that number names are stated in a standard order, each number word is paired with one and only one object, and the last number stated in the sequence tells the number of total objects counted in the set. It is important for students to master skills such as correspondence and cardinality, because a strong foundation in counting is necessary for students to learn other skills such as number relations.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain multiplicative problem structures to students who are just beginning to use multiplication strategies.
This video describes how to use the partial products strategy with multiplication.
This video illustrates how manipulatives can be used to show the relation between strategies for subtraction and addition.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain addition using a part-part-whole structure.
This video illustrates how manipulatives can be used to explain the commutative property of addition to students. Understanding that the order in which two numbers are added does not change the result supports basic fact fluency and students’ thinking related to problem solving. For example, when students understand how the commutative property works and if they have mastered a basic fact such as “3 + 1” then they have also mastered the basic fact of “1 + 3.”