What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Unfortunately, things in the real world don't always occur in whole numbers. You need half a cup of milk for that cookie recipe! Developing fraction sense is essential for understanding more advanced math topics. In a recent article from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, high school math teachers weighed in on the question "What is the one skill that is clearly associated with success in algebra?" The answer over 77% of high school math teachers gave was an understanding of fractions. In this course students will learn about unit fractions using several models: pattern blocks, rectangular grids, Cuisenaire rods, fraction blocks, and line segments on a number line. The following is a breakdown of each week's topics: Week 1: Understanding unit fractions using pattern blocks, Cuisenaire rods, and fraction blocks. (In unit fractions the numerator is equal to 1.) Week 2: Understanding all fractions in four models (all but the number line model). Week 3: Identifying fractions on a number line and reading fractions on a ruler Week 4: Identifying and understanding equivalent fractions Week 5: Review of lessons 1-4, recognizing fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers, understanding numerators and denominators Week 6: Comparing and ordering fractions Week 7: Going beyond the pattern blocks: considering other blocks as the whole, adding and subtracting fractions using fraction blocks Week 8: Subtracting fractions using fraction blocks by making an exchange Week 9: Division by a unit fraction Week 10: Multiplying fractions by whole numbers
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students need to have basic skills in addition, subtraction, and multiplication. They also need an understanding of what it means to divide, but knowing long division is not necessary. Additionally, reading at a 2nd grade level or higher will allow students to get the most out of the class.
Supply List
I will provide a pdf file of the workbook we will be using. You will need to print this for your student to have during the live meetings. Additionally, I will post problems each week for students who would like some extra practice. You will need the following math manipulatives for the class: 1. Pattern Blocks 2. Cuisenaire Rods 3. Fraction Circles 4. 1" square tiles Once you register I will send you a link to my Amazon Challenge Math list. You might also be able to find used manipulatives on eBay or on neighborhood garage sale websites.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching math for more than 25 years and I LOVE giving kids models that help them visualize and manipulate math concepts. Many times we learn things by memorizing them, but math requires that we truly understand if we are to excel at higher levels. A firm understanding of fractions is essential as students take on more and more complex problem solving situations and advanced coursework. Fractions also tend to "scare" some students and even some adults. I tutor a lot of nursing students when they take statistics, and I see this fear of fractions a LOT. Once I give them the blocks and lead them through some concrete exercises, their confidence and math skills take a giant leap forward!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$140
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
3-12 learners per class