Fractions Are Not Shapes

Fractions are numbers, and we need to make sure that we are not creating misconceptions in the primary grades that will interfere with this understanding.

On the math word wall in many second grade classrooms that I visit, I see similar definitions for fractions. Numerator: The number on top, the number of boxes shaded. Denominator: The number on the bottom. The total number of boxes.

How does that connect to a fraction as a number? It doesn't connect. The emphasis as students initially learn about fractions needs to be on equal shares. This understanding in second grade builds to the understanding in third grade that a fraction represents equal shares on the number line. This progression is important for students to build understanding. Fractions are not pizzas or rectangles divided into squares. Fractions are numbers that can be used to represent equal shares of shapes.

So You Want to Grow a Butterfly Garden...

Kindergarten Project-Based Learning - Part II

Project-based learning should be authentic, but how could we connect our butterfly unit to an authentic project when our school is in a large city? We had to think like gardeners! 

Every student chose a plant that his/her butterfly eats and one that the caterpillar eats. Together, we found a picture of each plant, and students drew them. Students at each table, glued their plants onto their "garden" and labeled them. 

These were our garden plans, but plans mean little without action attached to them. How could we get a butterfly garden at our school? You guessed it! We had to convince our principal that it was a good idea. 

As a class, we thought back to our unit on persuasive writing, and developed an outline of what might be included in our letters to the principal. Next, students worked together with their garden buddies to write a letter. Everyone contributed ideas while one student acted as a scribe. Finally, we presented our letters and garden plans to our principal and vice-principal. It was exciting to hear ownership of their butterflies and their gardens. And best of all, there just might be a butterfly garden at the school next year!