Lesson Introduction - Describe Fractions and Place Fractions on a Number Line

Describe Fractions and Place Fractions on a Number Line - Grade 3

Introduction to the Toolkit Lesson

Classroom

Setting: Group of Students

Non-classroom

Setting: One-on-One

Before the Lesson

Discuss the meaning of numerator and denominator, and what it means compared to a whole unit. If needed, model and show with classroom manipulatives. Fractions will be explored and modeled using correct math vocabulary.

During the Lesson

Students will color fraction bars and use them to place fractions on a number line. They can also use fraction bar manipulatives.
Students will cut cards that include a variety of fractions, fraction bars, and number lines and match them.

After the Lesson

Students will be able to show their learning by writing a missing fraction on a number line.

Before the Lesson

If needed, model and show with Lego pieces, snacks, etc. For Example: Grab a handful of Legos and count the total which would represent the denominator. Then separate the colors, and each color would represent the numerator. If you grab 15 Legos, the denominator is 15. If 4 of the Legos are blue, then 4/15 of the Legos are blue.

During the Lesson

The student will color fraction bars and use them to place fractions on a number line. Students could use string and cut into fractional pieces, or playdough rolled into a line and cut into fractional pieces.

After the Lesson

When the student does the post-lesson knowledge check, observe for any struggles. This is a chance to pause the check and revisit one of the lessons for more practice.

Visit the Resource Bank to learn more about Grouping Students.

Materials needed

Be sure to have these materials handy!

Each individual student will need:

Other Materials needed:

Coloring Tools Such As Crayon, Markers, or Colored Pencils
Scissors
Glue
Whiteboard Or Paper
Whiteboard Marker Or Pencil
Computer(s)
Projector (If Available)
Printer (If Printing Materials)
Hands-on manipulatives For Modeling such as playdough or string

A Note About Timing

This toolkit has several components and activities. The activities in this toolkit can be divided up over several days and can be completed at any time. There is a suggestion for breaks throughout the toolkit. However, you know your student(s) best and know the amount of time you have to help them. Feel free to take a break after every activity or chunk activities together in the amount of time you have. Timings are approximate and will depend on the needs of the student.

A Note About This Toolkit:

This toolkit offers students a variety of opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of fractions as numbers with and without the use of the number line. Because of the developmental level of students using this kit, some students may need support on a labeled number line while others will not.

The options for both materials are included in this toolkit. It is suggested that students who are just starting to grasp this skill, start with the number line that has 0 and 1 as a supportive guide. For students who are more confident in their understanding, they could use the number line without the guides of 0 and 1. Also, as students progress through this toolkit, they can only focus on the more complex material of the number line without the 0 and 1.