State Standards:
4.NS.3: Express whole numbers as fractions and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers. Name and write mixed numbers
using objects or pictures. Name and write mixed numbers as improper fractions using objects or pictures.
4.NS.4: Explain why a fraction, a/b, is equivalent to a fraction, (n × a)/(n × b), by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the
number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate
equivalent fractions. [In grade 4, limit denominators of fractions to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 25, 100.]
4.NS.5: Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators (e.g., by creating common denominators or
numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark, such as 0, 1/2, and 1). Recognize comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to
the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions (e.g., by using a visual fraction model).
4.C.5: Add and subtract fractions with common denominators. Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with common denominators.
Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as combining and separating parts referring to the same whole.
In third grade your student worked on identifying, writing, and comparing fractions. This year we expand on fractions further. Fractions is a concept that is very abstract to students. We work hard to make these concepts as concrete and hands-on as possible. This is why we use lots of different manipulatives and in lots of different ways.
The foundation of understanding fractions is that a fraction is part of a whole. If students aren't able to understand this fully, they will struggle with understanding the rest of the fraction concepts we learn. We work with lots of hands-on activities to demonstrate this. We also learn how the many parts make up the fraction (decomposing fractions). Here is a video to show how to decompose a fraction.
Students must be able to model fractions with manipulatives, using pictures, number lines, in written form, as an improper fraction and as a mixed number.
Students are also required to compare fractions with unlike denominators by finding an equivalent fraction with a common denominator.
Manipulatives-
Find small objects (Legos) to use to have your child practice making fractions. The objects should be the same size. Students should be able to explain that a fraction has to have equal parts to make up the whole.
Practicing placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line is very beneficial for understanding what a fraction is and how it relates to other numbers.
Printable Number Line to Place Fractions On
Practice identifying fractions on a ruler.
Online Games
Tug Team Fractions- compare fractions to win the tug-of-war game