Write Solutions

Student learning is no accident!

  • Write Solutions
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Curriculum
  • YouTube
  • Contact

Search

Talking About Fractions in Math Class

July 31, 2018

“The ones that are doing the talking are doing the learning.” I know that. But, no matter how many times I say it, the impact on student learning in front of me is profound and somehow surprising. There is no example stronger than that of talking about fractions in math class. I’ve spent most of my career spending part of every school year teaching middle school students about fractions. Over the years I’ve wasted a great deal of time and bored many VERY polite students to a point they should have rebelled… I worked hard to cut down on the talking in math class! Until I took my first Thinking Math Class, I felt good about breaking tasks and procedures down for struggling students. Having trouble adding fractions with unlike denominators? Here- Take this 12 page flow chart and keep it on your desk while you quietly work alone! Repeat the process enough- and surely you wont need that flowchart anymore. Back in those days it made sense with my teaching style to also assign 10 problems for homework… practice makes perfect!

How Talking About Fractions Helped
Math manipulatives Fractional Parts

Students get creative when they are explaining their thinking to each other.

In 2018 though, I seem to have struck a balance between the procedural and conceptual. I’m more likely to have students sitting in small groups with a game board or conversation cards between them… a basket of manipluatives and white boards nearby… and lots of talking!! You see, what I’ve learned about kids is that they will work really hard to understand and be understood by their peers. None of them care how I know that 2/8 is close to both zero and 1/2. But if their classmate tells them it is, then they are interested to understand their thinking. In fact, they might even disagree (yes!!!!!!) and have to really work to see it another way. They might have to draw a number line on a white board to be understood. It might help to grab some fraction circles from that nearby basket and layer them- all in the name of explaining their thinking. And THOSE experiences. Those MOMENTS of hard work and communication- those are memorable. Those spark some dendrites and connect some neurons… That’s where the learning happens! There are more aha! moments in my classroom now. Students can think more flexibly. And, students can better apply their learning to new situations.

After Class

And these days, a more valuable homework assignment in my eyes, is to reflect on that game of Slides & Ladders that we played in math class today. Write about a square that you did not agree on at first, what players initially thought, and what you decided in the end. Draw some diagrams to explain it.

If you’re looking to get kids talking, these games might spark some conversation!

Pictures of two classroom games and reflection activities

Two games and materials for comparing decimals in your upper elementary of middle school classroom. Students will play, discuss and reflect on their learning.

Game and Reflection activities for fractions and decimals

Games to compare and move flexibly between fractions and decimals. Reflection activities included.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • More
  • Pocket
  • Reddit
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Print
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...
«
»

Filed Under: 21st Century Skills, Differentiating Instruction, Engaging Students in Learning, Instructional Strategies, Thinking Math Leave a Comment

What do you think?Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

Latest on Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Latest on Facebook

Write Solutions

2 weeks ago

Write Solutions
I’ve observed first hand the link between dyslexia, rhythm and elapsed time for years in my house. Lucky for me, my village Includes experienced educators and dyslexia specialists. On my best days- seeing the connection so clearly gave me confidence in the treatment and interventions I was seeking. For the past month, my house has been FULL of song. The kid who never recited a nursery rhyme, won’t sing Happy Birthday, and often asks for the radio to be shut off if someone is singing along… has had a song stuck in his head. And while I’m kind of sick of “The 50 States the Rhyme” in general, I could not be more THRILLED about this milestone. I have so much hope and optimism today, and gratitude for the teachers who have gotten us here. When the road ahead seems like an insurmountable mountain, it’s the individual trees and markers along the way that are worth celebrating and keep you focused. Waking up 45 minutes before my alarm to another soulful rendition of the 50 states was like pausing for a picnic along the path. I’m grateful to be present for it. ... See MoreSee Less

The processing of rhythmic structures in music and prosody by children with developmental dyslexia and developmental language disorder - PubMed

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rhythm perception seems to be crucial to language development. Many studies have shown that children with developmental dyslexia and developmental language disorder have difficulties in processing rhy...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Write Solutions

2 months ago

Write Solutions
PSA: I forgot this tonight, and we paid dearly. Sharing so maybe you won’t have to do the same.🪩We don’t have to do all the events. I don’t have to spend an hour in a loud overstimulating gymnasium because “they” say it’s fun for kids. I know it’s not fun for me. And the universe smacks me in the back of the head when we get home every time- by way of a major kid meltdown. 🌈My kids will make great childhood memories even if we skip the family dance or glow-in-the-dark bowling night. I had an AMAZING childhood and barely remember any of those types of things. I DO remember quiet times at home with my family. My core memories have nothing to do with big, organized events. 👇🏼What’s something that you think should be good for kids that just doesn’t work for your family??#goodinsideparenting #knowingyourkids #boundries #neurodivergentfamily #asdkids #ndaffirming #familytime #raisingkids #teachermom #adhdkids #teachermomlife #schooldance ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Write Solutions

4 months ago

Write Solutions
Hoping THIS funding stays safe. A beautiful message on such an important topic. ❤️Discover Sesame.org ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Write Solutions

5 months ago

Write Solutions
Might as well give me your best tips! I’m sure many of you have driven with vomit 🤦🏼‍♀️.#momlife #mentalloadofmotherhood #tiredmom #sleephygiene #insomnia #norovirus #drivingwithkids #teachermomlife ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Write Solutions

9 months ago

Write Solutions
Parents: Don’t miss this opportunity!Teachers: So many families are looking for exactly this!! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Latest on Pinterest

  • Best fast-growing hedges: 10 ideas for your boundaries | Homes and Gardens
  • Garden screening ideas: 24 ways to create privacy beautifully | Homes and Gardens
  • PAX corner wardrobe, white, 82 7/8/63 1/4x93 1/8 ". A deep and spacious corner wardrobe with space for all of the clothes and accessories. Particleboard.
  • SafeRacks Slim Deck Hooks - 2 Pack Accessory Hooks
  • 20 Brilliant Command Centers and Family Drop Zones
Follow Me on Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs

%d