How To Add Fractions Using Models

what model should i use to help mystudents to better understand fractions? in the early grades we explore fractionsinformally, by partioning 2d shapes into parts of equal length. each part of thisrectangle is one-half, because it is one-half the length of the whole. we also use an area model.

How To Add Fractions Using Models, look at this circle. i can call this part one-half, because itis one-half the area of the whole. the number line is a special kind of length model. here the whole is the distance between zero and one.

i would show one-half at this point, because it is one-half the distance from zero to one. the first three models use a continuous measurable quantity. the set model has a discretecountable quantity. look at this carton of eggs. i can count 12 eggs in this carton and one-half of the total number is brown. wow! i can see the need for fourvery different models and the language i use is unique to each model