A format for fraction multiplication practice

I hope to write a longer post soon, and also maybe some updates on Pig and the olive problem.  In the meantime, a quick share:

I like the Transition to Algebra activity that uses Cuisinaire rods to develop the idea that multiplying fractions is really just scaling.  Here’s an excerpt:

Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 7.53.15 AM.png

This lesson went great–but I wanted more practice.  So since then, as an occasional warm-up, we’ll use the same format.  I love it, and I can already see the kids using scaling strategies a lot more fluently to solve equations with fractions.

Here are examples of some basic templates I made:multiply_fractions_tta-02.png

multiply_fractions_tta-03.png

To make a practice page, I decide which templates to use, print a blank page, and fill in the values I want with pen.  Then I make copies.

For example, here’s the page from today, which I made from this document:

Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.41.06 PM.png

It’s interesting looking at how different kids use the visual scaffold.  I like looking for little clues about how the kids are thinking about these problems.

Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.38.07 PM
That’s actually an arrow at the bottom of column B.  I loved this one because the kid is making a connection to the constant of proportionality tables in IM–between the two columns, every b row is 2x the corresponding a row.  Not sure what happened with the top box in column f but assume it was an oversight.
Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.38.48 PM
Thinking about equivalent boxes
Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.38.59 PM
Numbering the boxes instead of drawing them
Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.39.12 PM
Another approach to numbering
Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.39.54 PM
Almost ready to graduate from having the boxes.  LOVE the little x3 in the top box of column g–that’s a connection to my share/cut fraction intervention series.
Screen Shot 2020-01-29 at 2.38.35 PM
And…no longer needs the visual scaffold. 😉

We’re working toward tasks like this don steward one.

In the meantime, if anybody wants the templates, there’s a bunch here.

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