Teaching Strategies
In our seminar Transitions in the Conception of Number: From Whole Numbers to Rational Numbers to Algebra we studied some useful models to teach fractions. One model is the number line. The number line is a versatile tool that can be used for teaching a wide range of things including fractions. In the early grades it can be used to place fractions on the number line. When placing fractions on the number line it will provide a visual for students to see. This model will be taught in third grade. The other useful model we learned about in the seminar is the area model. This is one of the models I will use. I feel that it is appropriate for second grade.
We are going to start with Academic Language. This will focus on Fraction Language. According to Van De Walle, children need to be aware of two aspects or components of fractional parts; the number of parts and the equality of the parts (in size, not necessarily in shape). Emphasize that the number of parts that make up a whole determines the name of the fractional parts or shares. They will be familiar with halves but should quickly learn to describe thirds, fourths, and eights.
Modeling paper folding
I will use modeling with folding to show fractional pieces. I will demonstrate how to fold 1/3 by using a square. We will also see that if we piece the pieces back together, they make the whole. We will use fraction strips as a visual as well. Students will show halves, thirds, fourths, sixths and eighth. This is a reinforcement of what they learned when they were folding.
Fractional Parts and Words
Once I have introduced the students to folding and learning the correct academic language to name fractions, I will continue to work with them regarding comparing the fractional parts to the whole. According to Van De Walle “Students learning about fractional parts should be able to tell when a region has been separated into a particular type of fractional part”. When teaching students about fractional parts it is important to teach symbols. Teaching students about the top number and bottom numbers of a fractions will help students develop a strong understanding.
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