LESSONS ~ Weeks 1 & 2, Trimester I
- Ice Breaker and Logic
Survey is informative only – do any of these attitudes change over the year?
(Link to Puzzle Point instruction page)
2. Eight Men, a Tiger and a Lady
Start with another logic problem with a highly cooperative approach. Then read Frank Stockton’s classic “Lady or the Tiger” – a story that opens the gates to many more logic problems.
3. Making Fraction Strips
Folding paper strips to create fractions is a highly tactile and efficient way to build a linear understanding of fraction parts.
4. Play Capture the Circle
Games serve the purpose of increasing engagement, reinforcing learning, and teaching strategy. Strategic thinkers know how to prioritize, analyze, set goals and evaluate progress. We use the newly created fraction strips in this game.
Video Link : How to Play Circle Capture
5. Toblerone Day
The one-time investment in 4 or 5 Toblerone bars for the class is worth it. It allows you to forever more speak of fractions in terms of “a 12-peak Toblerone, a “9-peak” or an 8-peak Toblerone. We’ve found this clears up multiple misunderstandings – around common denominators, mixed and improper fractions, and equivalent fractions.
6. Fraction Word Problems with Toblerones
The combination of “Toblerone” language and hands-on use of blocks allows this lesson to get fairly complex, without losing students.
Note – Teacher’s Notes below each slide. Click “Presenter mode” to see the notes during presentation.
Do not teach any of the fraction algorithms yet. Research, observation and personal memory indicate that this doesn’t work for many, many students. Let students develop their own understanding at the visual level. They can handle addition, subtraction, multiplication and even division quite naturally by drawing. This is knowledge that doesn’t have to be RE-taught. In the long run, a huge savings of time!
