Fractions--Parts of a Set

In 1st grade in Texas, students must be able to use appropriate language to describe parts of a set WITHOUT the use of fraction symbols. Well, I have a fun and SIMPLE activity to support this TEK (that can also be used in older grade levels)!

I know a lot of you like to go above and beyond your standards and teach your students things that they are to learn in subsequent grade levels. I know this mainly because I see the fabulous, cute, and creative activities that you use in your classroom. I understand why you see it as beneficial to your students and I KNOW your students are always excited to realize that they are learning something that an older grade learns! HOWEVER.........you must realize that there is a logical reason why certain standards exist for your particular grade level (certain concepts and ideas must be taught before others can be learned, certain concepts and ideas may be too abstract for your grade level and would not benefit your students to teach it to them, etc.). What's my point in saying this??? When introducing fractions, it is crucial to provide many opportunities and experiences for your students to visualize the fractions. Oftentimes, teachers move from the concrete to the abstract way too quickly (in any given area of math, really). If your standards do not include using fraction symbols--don't use them. Sidebar complete.

Back to the activity!! It is simple, really. I had a bunch of paper strips left over from an art activity we so I decided to use them for a little fraction fun:

I realize that the captions are small (click to enlarge) so here are the instructions:

1. Roll the die. Dot one color.

2. Roll again. Dot another color.

3. Fill in the part-part-whole chart.

4. Write statements to describe the set.

That's it! This was way fun and this gave me an idea of their understanding of what we had been studying for the past few days.

For those that were struggling, I drew special attention to the part-part-whole chart that I required them to draw on their board (which is AMAZING to use for fractions, by the way!!). 

After the students completed a few strips, they were instructed to get in partners and describe their set to each other.

After this activity, we made caterpillars:

They were instructed to pick one of each paper (one for the background and one for the statements),  a cup of 7 pompoms (colors of their choosing), and 1 wiggly eye.

 I love how this student took on a challenge and picked 5 different colors!

To connect our learning to what we had been studying in science, the students drew their caterpillar in its habitat. Most just added leaves and trees while others drew the rest of its life cycle! I was way impressed!.......and I just realized that I didn't get pictures of the finished products. :/

Hope you enjoyed this! Happy summer (or almost summer) to you!!!

MORE Math Notebooking!

This year's math notebook is even more awesome than last year's! I am MUCH more proud of this one! :) My kids are so excited each time we make something to put in it and are even more excited that they get to take it to 5th grade with them next year! I have some of the pages available--look for the links! Hope you enjoy!!!

 

Expanded form cards

Trailing Zero journal page

Introduction to fractions journal pages

I choose not to use our math textbook--in fact, the fourth graders I had three years ago are the only ones that have even seen the book!! For my kids, the notebook IS their textbook, so I make sure that I always carefully plan out each page and activity. I want it to be GOOD if it is to be used as a reference tool.

I appreciate all of your feedback that you have given in regard to my notebooks! :D

Leap Frog Number Line Game

I've got a new game for ya!! :)

There are several upper-level concepts that seems to have little to no FUN resources--number lines included! I have used a few things here and there, but needed something different for review. Since I prefer hands-on activities to worksheets I decided that I needed to create a fractions and decimals number line game; this is what I came up with today. The game includes 6 sets of fraction/decimal cards, 6 number lines, and a recording sheet. It can be used individually, in a small group or whole group. It also includes a little equivalent fraction review (which is something you can never do enough of!). You can check it out in my Teachers Notebook store.

I hope this is something that at least some of you are able to use! The first 3 people to leave an email address will receive a free copy of it!! I hope you enjoy!!!!

Winter Wonderland: Equivalent Fractions

I am in the process of making a "Winter Wonderland" package of math games! I am releasing it one piece at a time and here is the first piece:

Click on the picture for more information! Thanks :D

Fraction Fun!

Please check out the newest addition to my Teachers Notebook store--"Fractions as Part of the Whole".

I used this activity with my students our last week in school and they LOVED it! It really challenged them and helped me realize how much they understand (or don't understand) about parts and wholes. To complete the activities students will need Cuisenaire rods, pattern blocks and thinkers!

I know it is an odd time to post but hopefully SOMEONE is out there reading this--first three to comment will receive a free copy of the activity!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

O Christmas Tree: a fractions & decimals game

I just completed a new game! This is the first of many that will be made in December.

Have students practice matching decimals and fractions together with this Christmas-themed game fit for your math center! Decimal place value includes tenths and hundredths. Click on the picture to check it out in my Teachers Notebook store.

Of course, as always, the first three to comment will receive a free copy. Remember to leave your email!! :)