One issue that comes up often is that learners have difficulty thinking 
of fractions that are not part of a unit whole, because all of their 
concrete examples began as "1 unit."  So you might also have a pile of 
jelly beans or a box of cookies that have to be divided up among the people.

Later, you might also explore ways to share 3 pizzas among 10 people and 
divide 7 hoagies (Philly word for submarine or hero sandwiches) among 5 
people.

Lynda

Kathie Daviau wrote:


> I have made brownies (one pan for each class) and asked how to cut the 

> brownies so each person gets exactly the same size piece.  This 

> develops fractions, measurement and rulers, area, prime numbers and 

> factors, and great verbalization of a math problem.  And... any 

> activity involving food will be successful.

>

> Kathie   

>

>  

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov 

> [mailto:specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Rebecca Metternich

> Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 9:30 AM

> To: specialtopics at nifl.gov

> Subject: [SpecialTopics 704] Re: Components of Numeracy

>

>  

>

> I have used inexpensive paper plates and cut them apart.  You can have 

> a set for each student.  A fun activity would be to bring in a bag of 

> apples and plastic knives.  After a trip to the restroom to wash 

> hands, students could cut up their apple, discuss the fractions 

> represented, and finish with a nutritious snack.

>

>  

>

> I am enjoying the discussion.

>

>  

>

> Rebecca Metternich 

>

>  

>

>  

>

>  

>

>  

>

>  

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov 

> [mailto:specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Rose Steiner

> Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 6:31 PM

> To: specialtopics at nifl.gov

> Subject: [SpecialTopics 699] Re: Components of Numeracy

>

> Kate (and others),

>

> You mentioned  "we had the appropriate manipulatives for -halves, 

> quarters, eighths, sixteenths, thirds, sixths, twelfths, fifths, and 

> tenths." 

>

> What exactly do you consider the appropriate manipulatives for these 

> fractions?   Are there inexpensive ones that work well?  So many of 

> our sites in Montana have limited funds and I am sure we are not alone.

>

> We have used egg cartons (12 and 18 egg size) for many of these 

> fractions.  But to do all of these, our class would need to make some 

> adaptations to the cartons (i.e. cover up some of the egg slots so 

> that are not a part of the whole, etc).  

>

> I look forward to trying your 10 pages with my students.  ;-)

>

>  

>

> Thanks

>

> Rose Steiner

>

> I am enjoying this great discussion on the special topic of numeracy...

>

>

>  

>

>  

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>-------------------------------

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>


-- 
Lynda Ginsburg
Senior Research Associate, MetroMath
Rutgers University
118 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tel: 732-445-1409       Fax:  732-445-2894

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