Waldorf-Inspired Fractions: Making Math Engaging
In this 4-week course, we explore comparative fractions, the concept of "whole", common denominators, equivalent fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, fraction word problems, and factors.
Sarah Barrett
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(20)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
In this 4-week course, we explore fractions through artistic renderings: comparative fractions, the whole, common denominators, equivalent fractions, adding and subtracting fractions, fraction word problems, and factors. As a Waldorf-inspired teacher, I approach math and science lessons using the phenomenological approach. This means, I guide the students to make discoveries (as I do in my math classes) and allow the students to form questions rather than giving them all of the content up front. Allowing them to form questions is the basis for critical thinking. I also incorporate the Waldorf notion of using the arts to solidify the learning in every lesson. Overview of topics: Week 1: What is a fraction? Concepts of whole, one, and fraction; paper folding activity; numerator and denominator, halves, fourths, eighths, sixteenths Week 2: Equivalent fractions; story of the Hungry Customers Week 3: Adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators; mixed numbers Week 4: Factors; factor candelabras The next 4-week course will cover adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, prime numbers, GCFs, and multiplying and dividing fractions. Following this would be a natural progression to decimals and converting from fractions to decimals and vice versa.
Other Details
Supply List
Please bring white paper, pencil, eraser, and colored pencils to each class. If construction paper, scissors, and glue are needed, I will post beforehand.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
5.0
20reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi! My name is Sarah Barrett and I teach primarily math and science classes for students ages 8 - 15. I like to bring math and science lessons to students in an experiential way so they are engaged, using their hands, and excited to share what they have learned. I also have experience as a storyteller, and I enjoy teaching classic tales (like Beowulf and Norse Mythology) through storytelling sometimes too.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech). This program has been ranked #1 in the country for over two decades.
I worked as an engineer and engineering manager for Walt Disney World for five years before having children. I have homeschooled my two children for 8 years and have done years of self study on education. Our homeschool style is Waldorf-inspired. I learned from Disney that it is most effective to convey a message through a story and an experience.
During our homeschooling years, I started the Waldorf Homeschool Conference, an in-person conference that offers education to parents seeking to incorporate Waldorf methods into their homeschool. I also started four local homeschool enrichment programs serving over 200 students with hands-on, whole-child, academically rigorous classes. I taught several classes while owning the programs, including robotics, chemistry, physics, math, and geometry and served as the storyteller. I am currently a math and science teacher on Outschool and a math tutor for the Jamie York Math Academy, a Waldorf math program.
The philosophy behind my teaching centers around these six tenets. Lessons must:
1. Be interesting, engaging, and fun. In other words, the student must look forward to the lessons.
2. Develop critical thinking.
3. Develop creative thinking and inspire feelings of wonder.
4. Prepare the student for postsecondary education.
5. Develop empathy and love for all living beings, and for our earth.
6. Include moments sprinkled throughout the curriculum that develop the student’s will in an age-appropriate manner, strengthening the ability to persevere. Some refer to this as “grit.”
I love to learn and enjoy reading in my spare time. My family loves all things Disney and makes regular trips to the Disney parks. We have an RV and love to explore the country.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
5-10 learners per class
