Title – Fractions with Kidspiration

By – Heather

Primary Subject – Math

Secondary Subjects – Computers & Internet

Grade Level – 2

Topic/Unit:

Math/Problem Solving

Content:

Basic Fractions and Fraction Equivalencies

Benchmarks:

NM-NUM.3-5.1: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems
• Strand IV – Number Sense and Numeration
  
• Strand V – Numerical and Algebraic Operations and Analytical Thinking

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Computer
  
• Kidspiration computer software

Development of Lesson:

Introduction:
• Talk about different common fractions.
  
• Explain how fractions are found and used in the real world.
  
• Give examples of equivalent fractions.
  
• Ask students for examples of equivalent fractions.

Methods/Procedures:

• Have students get into pairs.
  
• Have the students use different types of manipulatives to demonstrate different fractions and equivalencies.
  
• Have students move to different centers all based on fractions.
  
• Have the Kidspiration fraction activity as one of the centers.
  
• The Kidspiration Center gives an example of a whole and what half of a whole would look like, and what one-third of a whole would look like, and asks for different ways to make one-half and one-third.

Accommodations/Adaptations:

• Using centers for the kinesthetic learner.
  
• Having someone read the directions aloud or having sound incorporated into the Kidspiration Center.
  
• For a more challenging Kidspiration Center, have the students create their own fractions and equivalencies.
  
• Use the results from the Kidspiration activity to gauge how well students understood the concept and if they reached the benchmarks.

Closure:

• Have students share their ideas with the whole class. Ask students to give examples of equivalent fractions and write them on the blackboard.
  
• Use student responses to make curriculum decisions and decide whether more practice and instruction is necessary.