Blog # 4 Number Sense and Numerations Fractions

In class we explored fractions with the introduction of a book about Hershey's Chocolate & Egg Cartons! Beginning class this way was inviting, and interactive for all ages. We were instructed to pick a fraction that we found interesting, and convert it into any similar variant. I enjoyed this approach because it allowed the class to assimilate with what we were comfortable with, and can remember.

It was important to note that questions were presented with goals in mind:

Evolve and evoke thinking

Fearless speaking and listening

Open questions, student choice

Parallel problems, provide access to broad range of student readiness, reflection, and discussion

Provide appropriate scaffolding

Depth is more important then speed

 I enjoyed this visual that was given to us aimed at learners with disabilities! The original is much nicer than my drawing. However, it presented the concept that there are always more ways than one to approach a problem! We were given a T of blocks, and asked how we could represent 3/5 with 3 equal pieces! I thought that was very interesting because no matter how you come to the answer there was more than one way to represent the question to understand it.

This stood out to me more than anything else because when I was younger I would be the child crying because I didn't understand new math expectations, or assignments. The old fashion algorithms didn't make sense to me, and often I found myself frustrated and discouraged.