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 shows how manipulatives can be used to explain division problems that have a fair-share or equal partition problem structure. This example demonstrates how manipulatives can be used to show how repeated subtraction (i.e., when the whole is decreased iteratively by equal sets) can be used in division to determine the size of the equal set. When students have many practice opportunities to solve division problems with strategies such as repeated subtraction, they develop a solid conceptual understanding that division represents partitioning a quality into groups of equivalent sets.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain that multiplication represents groups of equal sets of numbers.
This video illustrates the use of an efficient counting on strategy that students may practice to solve simple subtraction problems without the use of manipulatives.
This video illustrates the use of manipulatives to provide students with multiple opportunities to practice counting skills such as rote counting, correspondence, and cardinality.
This video illustrates the use of manipulatives to help students practice correspondence and tracking objects as objects are counted in different ways. When children understand that objects may be counted in any order (e.g., left-to-right, right-to-left, in a random fashion) they have developed an understanding of the order irrelevance counting principle. Counting objects in many different ways also allows students to practice tracking objects as the objects are counted to make sure that each objects is counted once and only once, regardless of the order in which the object is counted.
This video shows how manipulatives can be used to explain multiplicative problem structures to students who are just beginning to use multiplication strategies.