**This is a FLEX class, there are no live meetings
*** Games and IXL practice included!

Let's put an end to fraction frustration! This class will help students gain a deep understanding of what fractions really are, which is simply another way to express division problems! We will use the most engaging, relatable, delicious real world connection to the concept of fractions as division that exists, namely: FOOD! In each week's video, I will be using a different food (such as fruit, pizza, small candies, or candy bars) to demonstrate and help students internalize the concept of fractions as division. I will list each week's foods in the materials section so that students can follow along with their own concrete examples. We will then reinforce and apply this understanding through fun, motivating games. Understanding this connection between fractions and division will give students the confidence to meaningfully manipulate fractions and all kinds of equations as they advance through math levels. 
 
The importance of conceptual understanding of fractions and division was proven in a 2012 study conducted by top researchers from across the US and UK, which revealed that "elementary school students’ knowledge of fractions and of division uniquely predicts those students’ knowledge of algebra and overall mathematics achievement in high school, 5 or 6 years later".**  Too often in the elementary years, fractions and division are taught as isolated topics or operations, without giving students the opportunity to fully understand and internalize the interconnectedness of the two. This leaves students unprepared for pre-algebra, algebra, and beyond, when they are expected to work with and manipulate both of these interchangeably. My goal with this class is to begin to fill this gap and pave the way for student confidence and success!

This is a  FLEXIBLE SCHEDULED  mastery method math course. There are NO live meetings for this class. Pre-recorded videos, interactive google slide presentations and links to Nearpod lessons and review games will all be posted in the Outschool Classroom. Additionally, we will be using IXL to practice the skills and concepts we're learning. This is a great tool for gaining mastery of a concept as it provides instant feedback. 6 weeks of access to IXL math is included in enrollment in this class.  On Monday of each week, I will post the first video lesson, which will focus on the visual and conceptual aspect of each topic. On Wednesday of each week, I will post a second video showing how to practice that topic or skill on IXL. The weekly schedule of topics is as follows:

Week 1: 
Topic: Fractions of a group: Sharing candies
     Skills: Using 3 division symbols, writing division problems as fractions 

Week 2: 
Topic: Fractions of a whole: Sharing pizza or apples
     Skills: Identifying and representing fractions as division problems

Week 3:
Topic: Fractions on a number line/ruler: Measuring and Sharing Candy Bars
     Skills: Graph and compare fractions on a number line, compare fractions using benchmarks 

Week 4:
Topic: Mixed numbers: Sharing more than 1 Whole: Sharing Cookies
    Skills: Put fractions in order, round mixed numbers

**Siegler, R. S., Duncan, G. J., Davis-Kean, P. E., Duckworth, K., Claessens, A., Engel, M., ... & Chen, M. (2012). Early predictors of high school mathematics achievement. Psychological science, 23(7), 691-697. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797612440101)