Using Fractions

Today we built on the fraction skills we started learning/remembering yesterday. We started off with multiplying a fraction by a whole number like 2(1/3) is 2/3 and 4(3/4)=12/4=3, and 5(2/5)=10/5=2. We started noticing that sometimes we can predict when the result will be a whole number and when it will be a fraction.

We practiced a bit, in table groups on mini whiteboards, using our fraction manipulatives to help us.

By the end of class we were getting comfortable with combining some of our skills: area and perimeter calculations but now with fractions.

Groups collaborated to solve these problems together, and there were some celebratory high fives and cheers when they got them correct. Some students are confronting their past views of themselves as someone who can’t do fractions. We’ve worked on building the skills bit by bit, and we’ll keep practicing some fraction fluency moving forward, so hopefully they’ll be less surprised that they got it right! I’m so glad that we are building skills and confidence with fractions, as they are key for many skills coming up in grade 9 and beyond.