Re: Fifth grade Math manipulatives
Posted by 4thgrade2nd year on 7/02/08
One of my favorite manipulatives I have is magnetic fraction
bars. I also have student sets for the kids to use (they
are expensive so I bought a set of 8, 2 for each table and
they work in groups). Comes in handy when adding and
subtracting fractions (I only do with alike denominators in
4th grade) Another manipulative you might think about with
fractions is giant magnetic regular polygons. You could
even make these. I made some and split them into parts (ex-
a hexagon into six equal parts). The reason I did this is I
wanted my studnets to see that fractions or just not bars or
wedges in a circle, but they are parts of a whole. Also, it
reinforces identifying regular polygons. Finally, you might
consider a "fraction stack" which is basically unifix cubes
in differnt sizes "stacked" to show equivalent fractional
amounts (ex- 2/4 is the same as 1/2). These are concepts
they should have began mastering as 4th graders (at least in
my state) but I know they still struggle and some studnets
just need to visually see it.
A manipulative you might need for your overhead would be
algebra tiles to show equivalent fractions with. It would
come in handy when you start discussing decimals as well.
Also fraction circles are great, but again, reinforce the
idea that fractions are parts of a WHOLE- not just cirlces.
Many of my students get a better understanding of fractions
once this realization hits them :)
I know as 5th graders in my state, skills they are expected
to do with fractions is realize that simplifying them does
not change their value and compare them as improper and
mixed. I think the manipulatives could help alot with those
skills.
Good luck- 5th grade is a vital year with learning about
fractions!
Posts on this thread, including this one
- Fifth grade Math manipulatives, 7/02/08, by Erin 5th NC.
- Re: Fifth grade Math manipulatives, 7/02/08, by 4thgrade2nd year.
- Re: Fifth grade Math manipulatives, 7/03/08, by Erin 5th NC.
- Re: Fifth grade Math manipulatives, 7/03/08, by 2ndyear4thgrade.
- Re: Fifth grade Math manipulatives, 7/07/08, by mathtch.
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