Inquiry-Based Fractions for Inquiry-Based Math Instruction

 I love math, but I did not always feel this way.  It was not until things began to "click" that my world opened, and I began to view math in a new way.

A love of math and deep understanding are at the heart of inquiry-based instruction.  Inquiry-based instruction is a type of instruction where students investigate and draw conclusions about information.

Sometimes manipulatives get lost in the shuffle during instruction, or they are reserved for students that do not grasp math concepts.  Using manipulatives with all students is crucial and is a great way to introduce a math concept.  It encourages deeper understander rather than only memorizing math steps.

To teach math in an inquiry-based way, create scenarios similar to science labs.  Put manipulatives on the desk in front of a small group of a small group of students along with an index card with a question for thought.  Students make their predictions first, then they use the manipulatives to determine if their assumptions are correct or not.

I asked a group of students, "How many eighths fraction pieces are needed to create one whole?" 

Some of the students were immediately able to say 8/8ths energetically while others said, "Six out of eight pieces". Once the students used their manipulatives to find out the answer, they created more equivalent fractions and discovered patterns in what is needed in order to create a whole.  By the end of the lesson, everyone understood the concept.

Fun Low-Tech Review Math With Flipbooks

Click the Image to See How It Works

This low-tech method goes back to the basics.  Flipbooks are fun, and they are very creative.  I wondered if I could make a flipbook that did more that show cute pictures.  I wanted it to show how to solve math concepts step-by-step. The result:  my very first flipbook.

Access It Here

It shows how to regroup for addition step by step.  In a world with so much technology, students love this concept, simple animation.

Decimal Math Station Review Cards (Great for RTI and Test Prep)

Click Here To Access It

Just print and use!  This bundle covers many decimal topics so that each student can review what he or she needs to cover at an individual level.

Rounding decimals, adding decimals, decimal word problems, multiplying decimals, decimal expanded notation, and more topics are covered.

This is a great tool for individualized instruction, guided math, or test prep.  These work well as decimal math station games.  Use these as a fourth grade decimal math station or as  fifth grade decimals math station activities.

After the Decimal Worksheet

After students complete a decimal worksheet, they often need additional practice.  How can you review skills based on individual student needs when there are so many decimal topics?

These print and use decimal review cards can help!  Each decimal topic comes with a printable box.  Print as many copies as you need of each decimal topic so that students can work individually or in small groups.  Send home a box with a student that needs extra practice.  Since these are printable, computer issues are not a concern.  Every student can have access to what they need for individualized practice at the same time. 

They work well as math station games since answer keys and tutorials are on each card.

Many Topics

There are so many decimal topics.  Those that are at the beginning stage of learning about decimals can use the comparing and identifying decimals cards.  Adding decimal game cards are included.  They contain illustrated directions and practice questions directly on the cards.  Students are can review them alone.  Click the image at the top of the screen to see what

There are also decimal word problem game cards.  Words problems are posed in a variety of ways to cover Blooms Taxonomy and help students go beyond just the surface level.

Multiplying decimals game cards and dividing decimals game cards are included.

Each topic contains a few tutorial cards.  These unique cars help student work independently.

Click Here

Creative Ways to Teach Integers

Visual notetaking is just one way to make integers fun.

Who says that teaching integers has to be well let's say, dull?  The next time you teach students how to add, subtract, multiply, or divide integers, try these ideas.  Enliven the topic with negative and positive integers with these fun tips. Access free and funny task cards to learn about main idea. 

Add Some Artwork
Colored pencils and crayons hold power.  As students take notes, ask them to draw and color examples of integers in real life.  This helps them organize their ideas and apply information.

Use Less Common Examples
No one walks around and discusses integers in daily conversation.  Still, the topic of integers affects our daily lives.  I was recently on an elevator in Europe.  I was surprised to see that negative numbers were used to describe floors that were below ground level.  

Going to the basement level of a building or suddenly discovering that it in below zero outside are everyday instances when we all think about negative and positive numbers.

Do you have more examples of integers in our daily lives?  Share your ideas in the comment section.

Division Teaching: Strategies to Build A Deeper Understanding

Knowing what a math problem means is as important as knowing the steps to solve a math problem.  The next time students complete a fraction worksheet or do dividing fractions practice, provide these visual dividing fractions examples.

How Does This Help? This blog post shows the progression of how fractional parts change when numbers are divided.  By observing step-by-step visuals, students will gain greater insight into what it really means to divide with fractions.







Applying What Has Been Learned
One reason why dividing fractions word problems are often challenging is because students cannot often visualize what is being asked.  Visual, step-by-step charts connect the parts of a word problem to their visual representation.  This makes it easier for them to determine when they are being asked to reduce fractions, multiply fractions, or even multiply fractions with whole numbers.

For Task Cards That Teach And Review How To Divide Fractions Click Here

To Access Math Task Cards That Teach And Review A Variety Of Math Concepts Click Here

Being able to visualize math concepts helps students understand word problems, and it also helps students have the needed skills in order to solve math problems that are worded in different ways.