Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions is all about self-discovery. After the kids have seen enough models of fractions, they really notice the equivalence of some of them on their own. This leads us to a discussion about why the fractions are equivalent - because they represent the same amount, they're just broken into differently-sized pieces. After drawing enough examples on their own, the kids realize there is a multiplication/division relationship as well. This saves them the time of drawing the pictures!

Our journal entry

Our class poster

Introduction to Fractions

We have started to discuss fractions! By 4th grade, the kiddos have had a ton of practice naming fractions of a shape, as well as naming fractions of a set of objects. We continued that practice and discussed the definitions of the numerator and denominator. We also extended our knowledge by figuring out how to find fractions of a number, such as 12 and 24.

We began by pulling out 12 squares and physically dividing them up into equal groups. It didn't take the kids long to figure out that to find fractions of a number, all they had to do was divide the number by the denominator of the fraction they were looking to find. For example, if they want to find 1/4 of 24, they could just divide 24 into 4 equal groups. Since 6 would be in each group, 1/4 of 24 is 6. Finally, we discussed how, if we found 1/4, we could also find 2/4, 3/4, etc.

Finding fractions of 24

Math Review Folder

Outside Geometry Review

Today we finished our math review folder! We've been working on this a little each day for about 2 weeks. The folder contains some brief reminders and tips for all our big concepts from the year. We like to spend a couple of weeks before our STAAR test reviewing the year's concepts. As we reviewed a concept, we added a brief entry into our folder.

Geometry Review

Inside View

Area, Perimeter, Volume Review

Measurement Review

Lines and Angles Review

Measurement Conversion Review

Place Value Chart - Closed

Place Value Chart - Open

Fractions and Decimals Review

Equivalent Fractions

Our 1/2 fraction flipbook

We begin talking about equivalent fractions after we've had a lengthy discussion regarding the relationship between 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16. etc. as well as the relationship between 1/3, 1/6, 1/12, etc. The kids have a really good grasp on this idea.

We begin by making our fraction flipbooks (which takes a bit!) and then lifting up a fraction to see its equivalent fractions. For example, when we lift up 1/2, we can see it is equivalent to 2/4, 4/8, and 8/16. After we write down lots of equivalent fractions we find, we discuss their relationship. Finally, we discuss the multiplication and division involved. This is a great visual way for kids to come up with the relationships on their own!

Flipbook showing fractions equivalent to 1/2

Our 1/3 Fraction Flipbook

Fractions equivalent to 2/8

Fractions equivalent to 1/3

Our Equivalent Fraction Anchor Chart

Our journal entry

Intro to Fractions

Fraction Basics

 

In math we have started to discuss fractions. By 4th grade, the kiddos have had a ton of practice naming fractions of a shape, as well as naming fractions of a set of objects. We continued that practice and discussed the definitions of the numerator and denominator. We've also extended our knowledge by figuring out how to find fractions of a number, such as 12 and 24.

We began by pulling out 12 squares and physically dividing them up into equal groups. It didn't take the kids long to figure out that to find fractions of a number, all they had to do was divide the number by the denominator of the fraction they were looking to find. For example, if they want to find 1/4 of 24, they could just divide 24 into 4 equal groups. Since 6 would be in each group, 1/4 of 24 is 6. Finally, we discussed how, if we found 1/4, we could also find 2/4, 3/4, etc.

Finding fractions of 12 with blocks

Finding fractions of 24

Finding fractions of 24