Welcome to third grade! This newsletter is to inform you of
the two programs we will be using to enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives and Math Playground are the primary programs that we will incorporate into our curriculum this year. Since we will be exploring abstract concepts such as rational numbers, which include fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions, it is important to use interactive technology so that our children have a better conceptual understanding of these topics. We will be using these programs in class, as they are very straightforward and easy to manipulate. These programs are also easily accessible from home, so I encourage you and your child to become familiar with them. You will be able to see the tutorials, activities, and practice problems that your children are using in class. It is a great opportunity for you to see what your child is currently learning in class, and a fun way for them to gain extra practice. If you have any questions regarding the technology programs we are using this year please do not hesitate to contact me!
!"#$%&'( *( +,-. Miss Lis Newsletter Note to Parents:
!"#$%& "#$%&' National Library of Virtual Manipulatives The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a program that offers web- based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials for K-12 mathematics instruction. This program seeks to actively engage students in mathematical instruction by using manipulatives to help students visually connect and apply mathematical relationships. There is a large variety of categories that students can explore including number & operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and probability, however, for the purpose of studying rational numbers, we will be focusing on the number & operations category under the Pre-K -2 grade level. One of the activities we will be using is called Representing Fractions. This will help students illustrate a fraction by dividing a shape and highlighting the appropriate parts. In this exercise, students will divide the whole which will be a circle or square into the number of parts specified in the fractions denominator. Then they will have to click on parts in the picture to highlight the number specified for the fractions numerator. For example, if it is asking for a representation of 2 out of 3, the student will have to use the arrows to divide the square into 3 equal parts. He/she will then have to shade 2 of the 3 parts to represent 2/3. The student can check his/her work and if answered correctly, the program will continue generating new fractions to illustrate. This gives students the opportunity to understand the concept of parts to whole, which is important especially when learning about the role of numerators and denominators in fractions.
This website is a great way for students to visualize abstract concepts such as fractions. It allows for fun practice and concrete models that are easier to comprehend. You can learn more about the activities in the link below! http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
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Math Playground Math Playground is another program that is designed to help elementary students better understand mathematical concepts. Within the website, there are numerous manipulatives and modules for students to engage in such as visual division, pattern blocks, fractions, ratios, etc. It is also accessible by grade level, so it is a useful resource even beyond this classroom. Since our class is currently focusing on fractions, one activity that is particularly useful is the fraction scale. It is an interactive way for students to explore equivalent fractions by placing blocks that have different fractions written on them, on a scale. If the scale is not balanced, there will not be an equal sign and the scale will not be leveled out. If one side of the scale is greater than the other side, meaning one fraction is larger than the other, it will be weighed down. The bottom of the scale will show <, >, or = to show the relationships between fractions.
These activities are easy for students to engage in and conceptually grasp. The educational approach behind these programs is a great way to appeal to the students interests while also being beneficial to learning. It can be accessed at the link below: