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 demonstrates how to use fraction tiles to explore how different fractions can be equivalent to the same value, such as 1/2. This video models how to compare different fractions that are equivalent to 1/2 to the benchmark of 1. Students who struggle with finding equivalent fractions can stack the fraction tiles above the whole (1) as an anchor. 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.
This video demonstrates how to use different types of concrete manipulatives, such as fraction circles and Cuisenaire Rods, to compare fractions with like denominators. When students use models to compare fractions, they can place them side-by-side to determine which fraction represents a greater value. For students who struggle with visually comparing values, consider teaching them how to stack Cuisenaire Rods for a direct comparison. Note that, in this video with the fraction circles, the sets of fractions circles are not the same size. This may confuse some students, so it may be important to use identical sets of fraction circles.
In this Voices from the Field video, Dr. Jason Harlacher and Veronica Fielder share CDE’s process for developing virtual learning modules on DBI and their strategies for ensuring the modules are accessible to educators.
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 features reflections from Bill Rasplica, the former executive director of Franklin Pierce Schools, about his experiences implementing DBI, lessons learned, and recommendations for other district leaders.
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.