$compare using benchmark fractions$

COMPARE USING BENCHMARK FRACTIONS HOW TO

Whenever I offer my students CHOICE, engagement soars! That means I’m introducing a few different activities (it doesn’t have to be a lot, but 2-3) and allowing them to choose how they want to learn. Offering Choice over Comparing Fraction Activities My students often struggle with fractions on a number line, so giving them lots of exposure and opportunities to work with them has been really helpful! I always try to do this one second, because then they are already familiar with the idea and the activity itself, so now all they have to do is focus on the number line. The second version changes the visual to a number line. As they gain familiarity, I have them try to reason through the comparison first, and then use the visuals to confirm (or not) their initial thoughts. By having those concrete visuals in place, students can more easily decipher which fraction is greater than the other and then write a comparison sentence. These domino fractions activities (also available with dice in case you don’t have dominoes) have students comparing fractions with embedded visual supports.įor the first, I like having them partition and shade their shapes (we have already done some work around this together). They start off REALLY simple and can be used over and over again to get repeated but meaningful practice (I personally stay away from one-and-done worksheets as much as possible). I have some favorite go-to activities when it comes to helping students compare fractions. However, once we’ve built a foundational understanding and developed some helpful strategies, it’s time to let them give it a try on their own… with some scaffolding of course!

Using benchmark fractions for comparisons.

$compare using benchmark fractions$

Comparing fractions with the same denominator.Comparing fractions with the same numerator.Prior to asking students to begin comparing fractions independently, I am sure to include several number talks and mini-lessons about: greater than, less than, whole, equal to…etc). You can add a “word bank” to this activity if you’d like to push them to begin comparing the fractions in certain ways (e.g. Allow them to draw, write and/or use numbers to share their thinking about the different fractions they see.

COMPARE USING BENCHMARK FRACTIONS HOW TO

Other fun images include buildings, windows, organization solution photos (you know… the ones with dozens of cubbies!) There are unlimited options with these! Create a Fraction Gallery WalkĪfter modeling how to discuss fractions within photos/paintings during your Number Talks, you can turn this into an independent center in your classrooms! Post photos/paintings around your room, or make photocopies of them for students to put in their math journals and let them start writing about what they see. Image courtesy of Creative Commons, Artist Rоbsоn

$compare using benchmark fractions$ $compare using benchmark fractions$

I also love that number talks like this have multiple access points, so students can modify or extend the conversation easier to challenge themselves at their “just right level.” They are such great conversation starters and offer so many possibilities to discuss colors and the representation of different fractions. Some examples could include artwork by artists like Piet Mondrian (See a likeness of his work below). While we can absolutely put a few fractions on the board and have students compare them (these are PERFECTLY valid and useful Number Talks,) it can also be fun to switch things up! One of my favorite ways is to project a photo and have students find fractions within them. If you didn’t know, Number Talks are one of my absolute favorite things! They build such a strong community of mathematicians and create amazing opportunities for students to develop communication skills around their mathematical thinking!įractions can be such a fun topic for Number Talks. In this post, I’ve outlined five of my favorite ways to making comparing fractions more engaging for your students! Comparing Fractions in Art & Photography If you have ever taught comparing fractions before, you know that the complex nature of the content can sometimes make it hard for students to fully engage in the learning. We are now asking students to look at two different written fractions and use comparing language like greater than, less than, or equal to. Comparing fractions is a BIG step up from simply identifying fractions and partitioning shapes.

$compare using benchmark fractions$

Compare using benchmark fractions