Classroom activities
In this section I would like to explain how I plan to use the problems from the problem set mentioned above, to improve my students` skills on fraction notations as well as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.
Lesson 1.
Objective: Students will practice writing down fractions that represent the area of the shaded region on the diagram. Students will learn how to place fractions on the number line and compare them.
The problems in the unit are designed in a way to gradually increase the rigor. So, in the beginning I will review/teach my students how to use fraction notation and write down the answers to the questions that imply figuring out a fractional part of the whole in a real-life problem. Using a number line will be a big help, so I will build a number line, showing my students how to place fractions on a number line and compare fractions with the same numerator and with the same denominator. I plan to use problems I-XII for this lesson. I will decide what problems in this set to use for classwork, and will give similar ones for a homework assignment. Students can work on the other problems independently, in pairs or groups, followed by whole group discussion.
Lesson 2.
Objective: Students will learn how to add and subtract fractions with the same and different denominators.
First, I will teach/review with my students how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. From my previous experience, it is easy to understand, so my students will practice on this topic using arithmetic expressions, equations and word problems. Next, I will introduce my students to the operations on fractions with different denominators. To start this conversation, I will draw students` attention to the fact that on the number line, equivalent fractions are represented by the same point. Students will learn how to reduce and expand fractions, followed by finding values of arithmetic expressions, solving equations and word problems that involve fractions with different denominators. I will select from problems XIII – XXXI for this practice. Again, depending on objectives, student skills and curricular timeframe, I will adjust the particular classwork and homework assignment.
Lesson 3.
Objectives: Students will learn how to multiply and divide fractions.
These are the most complicated operations on fractions. Multiplying fractions makes sense to most of the students in my classes, however dividing fractions traditionally presents a lot of issues. I will be patient teaching this skill. I will start with Problem XXXII and gradually progress through the set of problems. My teaching routine will be similar to the previous two lessons. Depending on my students` progress I may decide to spend more time teaching some particular skills and adjust classwork and homework assignments accordingly.
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