A Guide for Daily Mathematics Instruction
Standard Addressed
3.1.10 Given a pair of fractions, decide which is larger or smaller by using objects or pictures.
Direct Instruction-Standards Based
Display question 1 from Dear Ms. Fraction (Skill 4, pg 16 in Math Academy resource binder) to the class. Read and discuss the question, but do not answer it yet. Have students suggest how it could be solved. Explain that today we will learn how to compare two fractions. Give each student a rectangular piece of graph paper that is the same size. Demonstrate how to divide the rectangle into fourths by using the squares on the paper. Explain that they must be equal parts. Have them shade in however many parts they want, and write the fraction on an index card. Bring up 2 rectangles at a time and compare the shaded parts between students. Discuss. Repeat this activity with a new rectangle, but have them choose how many equal parts they wish to divide the rectangle into(fifths, thirds, eighths, etc.) Have them shade in however many parts they want and write the fraction. Bring up 2 at a time, compare shaded parts, and discuss. Note that they must look at the picture to tell which is larger and which is smaller, not just the numbers.
Daily Spiral Review
Give each student a junk box. Tell them a fraction with a denominator less than 10, such as ¾. They will build the fraction with the junk from his/her box. Repeat with other fractions. Informally assess. Standard: 2.1.8 Recognize fractions as parts of a whole or parts of a group.
Writing Activity
(complete after direct instruction section) On the back of the 2 note cards that the students wrote the fraction on, have them answer the following questions in complete sentences: Give example answers. 1) What does the numerator stand for on your rectangle? 2) What does the denominator stand for on your rectangle? 3) Tell one time you may use fractions in everyday life. Collect these to look at, then return to students so they can put them in their math journal as a resource.
Problem Solving/Reasoning
(complete after writing section) Give each child a copy of Dear Ms. Fraction. Work together to answer question 1, which the class looked at earlier. Have the students answer question 2 independently, after reading through it as a class. Use this to assess the standard.
Kelly Rogers, Grade 2, Greenbriar Elementary School
(modifications for special education students attatched by Dawn Smith)