Models and Benchmarks to Compare Fractions Unit of Study: 7 Global Concept Guide: 1 of 4
Content Development Models should be used to help students compare and order fractions. Begin with a concrete representation such as the area model to help students make comparisons. Number lines should be HEAVILY emphasized as it is an efficient strategy for comparing and ordering fractions. Ample time should be spent building an understanding of benchmark fractions and using the fractions of 0, ½, 1. Comparisons should be presented in context
Day 1 How can you use models to compare and order fractions? Avoid using only the circle model as the area model because students struggle with drawing congruent circles to compare fractions. Begin making comparisons using fractions with like denominators. > 2/31/3 Once students understand how to compare using like denominators introduce unlike denominators.
Day 2 How can you use the number line to compare and order fractions? Students transfer their comparison of fractions using fraction tiles to using the number line. Students need to practice partitioning equal sized number lines into different parts to make comparisons.
Day 3 What are benchmark fractions? Benchmark fractions are fractions that students can easily make a reference to. 0 ½ 1 < < 1/6 3/6 5/6 The most important reference points or benchmarks for fractions are 0, ½ and 1. Simply comparing fractions less than one to these three numbers gives quite a lot of information.
Day 4 How can you use the benchmarks of 0, ½ and 1 to compare and order fractions? The sixths are one sixth away from the whole. The fourths are three fourths away from the whole. Therefore 5/6 is greater than ¾.
Enrich/Reteach/Intervention For students who are struggling with the idea of using number lines and benchmarks compare, create a jumping number line. Also, utilize lesson 8.1 p. R70, 8.2 R72 Students that need extension utilize lesson 8.1 p. E70, the Enrich Activity on p. 343B
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