Math Unit - Fractions

Dear Parents,

We are starting our new Unit 6 in Math: Representing and comparing fractions.

Memorization is NOT a goal in the case of vocabulary words and multiplication facts. We encourage you to discuss the ideas and concepts through hands-on activities and conversations (in the home language) about how we use math in our daily lives. 

We encourage to make connections and have conversations in your home language to help understand the concept.

In this unit students will: 

• Develop an understanding of fractions, beginning with unit fractions. 
• View fractions in general as being built out of unit fractions, and they use fractions along with visual fraction models to represent parts of a whole. 
• Understand that the size of a fractional part is relative to the size of the whole. For example, 1/2 of the paint in a small bucket could be less paint than 1/3 of the paint in a larger bucket, but 1/3 of a ribbon is longer than 1/5 of the same ribbon because when the ribbon is divided into 3 equal parts, the parts are longer than when the ribbon is divided into 5 equal parts. Students are able to use fractions to represent numbers equal to, less than, and greater than one. 
• Solve problems that involve comparing fractions by using visual fraction models and strategies based on noticing equal numerators or denominators. 
• Recognize that the numerator is the top number (term) of a fraction and that it represents the number of equal-sized parts of a set or whole; recognize that the denominator is the bottom number (term) of a fraction and that it represents the total number of equal-sized parts or the total number of objects of the set.
• Explain the concept that the larger the denominator, the smaller the size of the piece.
• Compare common fractions with like denominators and tell why one fraction is greater than, less than, or equal to the other.
• Represent halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, tenths , and twelfths using various fraction models.

VOCABULARY:

Visual Mathematics Online Dictionary: This resource includes definitions, pictures, examples, and related words for mathematical vocabulary. 

Unit Key Vocabulary: (link to cards)

• Denominator: the bottom number in a fraction. It tells how many equal parts the set or whole has been divided into
• Equivalent Fractions: two or more fractions that name the same amount
• Fraction: a number that names part of a whole or part of a group
• Greatest: the largest in a group
• Least: the smallest in a group
• Number Line: a line with equally spaced tick marks named by numbers
• Numerator: the top number in a fraction. It tells how many of the equal parts of the whole or group are being considered
• Order: arrangement according to size, amount, or value

ACTIVITIES AT HOME:

• Go on a fraction hunt! Look for household items that are divided into equal parts (fractions of a whole and fractions of a set). Record the fractions.
• Roll number cubes to make fractions. Draw pictures of the fractions you make. Place the fractions you've made in order on a number line.
• Identify fractions at meal times. For example, you ate 1/2 of an apple, 3/4 stalk of celery, 1 whole tuna sandwich, and 2/3 of a glass of milk.
• Practice making equivalent fractions.
• Plot fractions on a number line.

ONLINE RESOURCES:

Matching Fractions: basic fractions

Equivalent Fractions: finding equivalent fractions

Equivalent Fractions: finding equivalent fractions using area models (you need to enable Adobe flash to work)

Khan Academy: 3rd Grade Math topics

Happy learning!

The Grade 3 Team