Grades 4-6
9 sections—187 pages

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Action With Fractions to the rescue! This book takes the confusion out of working with fractions and provides students with a solid understanding of these important mathematical numbers.

Action With Fractions uses several visual models not only to depict fractions, but also to show calculations of fractions.

Pattern blocks, area squares, rulers, egg cartons, and circle sectors all are used to help students recognize, picture, and work with fractional numbers. The experiences invite students to model, represent, name, and order fractions. They will use the various models to find equivalent fractions and to add, subtract, and multiply fractions.

The central objective in all activities is to help students build mental images of fractional parts and operations on fractions. Such mental images serve students well when working at the abstract level, particularly in estimating reasonable answers.

The book also includes a section in which equivalent fractions are plotted on a coordinate plane with extension of converting to decimals and percents. Does not include a set of colorful "unit squares" transparencies to model multiplication of fractions.