This video demonstrates how to use fraction circles to help students compare the value of several fractions with different numerators and denominators. The use of direct modeling with concrete manipulatives, such as fractions circles, allows students to develop conceptual understanding of fractions before they attempt to compare fractions without concrete manipulatives or pictorial representations. After students have had multiple opportunities to practice comparing fractions with concrete manipulatives, they may be ready to use other strategies such as mental images and reasoning strategies.
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This video describes how to use the partial sums strategy with addition. The problem in this video requires regrouping; however, the partial sums strategy eliminates the regrouping procedure. The partial sums strategy is typically performed left to right and focuses on adding only part of each multi-digit number at a time (e.g., only adding digits in the hundreds column to determine the partial sum of hundreds, followed by only adding digits in the tens column to determine the partial sum of tens, and so on). It may be especially important for students to know and understand the partial sums strategies if they have not yet developed an understanding for regrouping. This strategy is also efficient when all or most of the numbers have the same number of digits.
This video demonstrates two addition problem structures that students must understand to master basic facts. Each problem structure has three numbers, with one number missing.
This video demonstrates two subtraction problem structures that students must understand to master basic facts. Each problem structure has three numbers, with one number missing.
This video demonstrates how to use fraction tiles to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions. As students practice this process with fraction tiles, they will also gain fluency with determining different fractions that are equivalent to 1.
This video demonstrates how to use benchmark fractions, such as ½, to compare fractions with unlike denominators. When students show that they are proficient comparing fractions using concrete manipulatives or pictorial representations, they may be ready to compare fractions using reasoning strategies without representations. For beginners and for students who struggle, it may also be important for teachers to model to students how to check their work using other tools, such as fraction tiles.
This video demonstrates how students can practice determining equivalent fractions with different denominators using fraction circles. Students can explore this concept by comparing different representations of the same value against a whole fraction circle. After students have found one representation of the same fraction (3/6), teachers can encourage students to find another representation (4/8). Teachers can then ask students to discuss the patterns that they see in the different representations of the same value.
This video demonstrates how students can practice finding equivalent fractions with different denominators using fraction tiles. Students can explore this concept by stacking fraction tiles to determine the multiple representations of the same value, such as 1/2. Once students have found one representation of the same fraction (4/8), teachers can encourage students to find another representation (3/6). Teachers can then ask students to discuss the patterns that they see in the different representations of the same value.
This video shows how to use the set model to represent fractions, such as 1/2. In the set model, the whole is represented by a set of objects, such as two-colored chips. Individual chips within the set, represent the fractional parts. It is important that students be exposed to the set model because fractions in real-world settings are often represented this way.
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.