Fraction Action

The last couple of weeks have been spent on fractions. A fraction is a part of a whole. This is a skill we learned last year. We stepped it up a little for fourth grade. We already knew what a fraction was. But, this year, Mrs. Johnson introduced us to a new word: equivalent. Equivalent means "the same" or "equal."

Mrs. Johnson began by asking us what 10+10 was. 7+3? 6+4? 5x2? 12-2? All of these equal 10! All the problems listed look different and are put together differently. But, they ALL equal the same thing: 10! Mrs. Johnson told us that fractions can be put together in different ways to cover the same part or fraction of a whole. To help us visualize and experience equivalent fractions, Mrs. Johnson gave us our own set of fraction pieces. She called them "toys," which made us all laugh. She would tell us, "Okay. It's time to play with your toys." or "Please stop playing with your toys for a second."

Jordan and his "toys."

We worked with our "fraction toys" to find equivalent fractions, or two fractions that were the same. It may take more twelfths to take up as much room as one sixth. It was like putting together a puzzle.

Four-sixths is equivalent to eight-twelfths because they are exactly the same size!

Once we had time to "play with our toys" and actually see what Mrs. Johnson meant by two fractions being the same, Mrs. Johnson told us there was an easy shortcut. We could actually find equivalent fractions on paper by cross-multiplying! That was so easy! We all said, "Ohhhhhh!" when she showed us how to do it. When we cross-multiply, if both products are the same...the fractions are equivalent. If they are not the same, the fractions are not equivalent.

Cross multiplying is easy!

After showing us and involving us in learning about equivalent fractions, Mrs. Johnson gave us some time to practice our new skills independently. We used our "fraction toys" to come up with two equivalent fractions. Then, we checked it on our paper by cross-multiplying. Mrs. Johnson walked around the room to check and help those who needed help. It was fun!

Lyric saw that four-fifths was NOT exactly the same as four-sixths.

Antasia is checking to see if one-half is equivalent to two-fourths.

Sabbion checks to see if four-eighths is equivalent to two-fourths.

Jendaya is so organized as she explores equivalent fractions!

Now it's time for us to move on to more complex fraction skills. Coming up on the math menu: comparing and ordering fractions, fractions as decimals, and estimating fractions! Wow!

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand." - Chinese proverb