Technology in Our Classroom:

Math Edition
Week of 10/02/2017

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

In math we are now starting a unit on FRACTIONS! I am excited to
share that we will once again be incorporating technology into our
mathematical unit. Using technology is so important because it
allows our students to be interactive participants and practice
mathematical concepts in new and exciting ways. This helps
students progress from merely procedural memorization of math to
conceptual (big picture) understanding. The two programs
highlighted in this newsletter are the National Library of Virtual
Manipulatives and an iPad app called Fraction Manipulatives.
Both of these interactive, online tools will be used in class but can
be valuable tools at home as well. I encourage you and your child to
explore and utilize all they have to offer!

Happy Learning and Exploring!

Ms. Skiba

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?

Contact: skibas@bc.edu
 National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM)
Overview:
NLVM is a collection of web-based applets
for mathematics instruction in grades K-12. It
is a resource with a variety of interactive
learning tools. I use the NLVM in the
classroom to compliment and reinforce
lessons. One applet I want to highlight
which turns understanding the meaning
fractions into a fun game for your student is
called Fractions-Naming.
Applet:
Fractions-Naming
This applet asks students to, Write the
fraction corresponding to the highlighted
portion of the shape. When you first start
the program, a screen such as the one below
pops up depicting a whole shape divided
into a certain number of equal pieces with
some of the pieces colored in.
Students are asked to name the fraction
depicted by the shape, filling in the
numerator and denominator. After an
answer is inputted, the student can check
their answer. If it is correct they can click
New Fraction to continue practicing. If it is
incorrect they will be prompted to correct a
portion of their answer and can continue to
check until it is correct.
Why this applet?
This applet is a great tool for helping
students understand the basic idea and
definition of a fraction making it perfect
for our 3rd grade students (It aligns with
standard 3.NF.3!). This is because it
clearly depicts a whole shape divided into
a certain number of equal parts
(denominator) with a certain number of
these parts shaded (numerator). It also
connects a concrete representation with
the abstract notation used to represent
the fraction which helps students
transition from concrete to abstract
reasoning (which is needed to
successfully move on in math). I love
how it connects to the basic idea of a
fraction and uses academic language
such as denominator when an answer is
incorrect. This helps students acquire
vocabulary and understand the fractions
parts. For example:
Because different shapes are used to
represent the whole and the orientation
changes, students will generalize their
knowledge and move towards
conceptual understanding. Use this as
practice tool for you student at home!
Interested in using this at home?
Visit the NLVM Website:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g
_2_t_1.html
 Fraction Manipulatives iPad App
Overview:
Fraction Manipulatives offers a wide variety
of easy to use virtual fraction manipulatives.
I use it in class to visually represent fractions
and students use it on iPads to compare and
explore fractions and to help complete
fraction problems. It offers fraction tiles
(strips), circles, and rings, a fraction
wall/chart, and a list of direct connections to
Common Core Standards.
Fraction Manipulatives App
This app has much to offer. First, it has a
fraction wall which depicts one whole
divided into various parts. If you touch/click
on one of the parts, it is highlighted which
allows students to visualize equivalent
fractions and compare different fractions.
If you touch/click on the arrow in the bottom
right you can change the screen to show a
number of other manipulatives including
fraction tiles and circles, allowing students to
drag onto the screen which ever they desire
to work with and even overlap to compare.
Clicking on the pens allows you to draw or
write on the screen as well!
Why this iPad app?
This is a great tool for students,
whether they are simply exploring what
fractions are, comparing fractions, or
finding equivalent fractions. Because
developing an understanding of
fractions and being able to compare
and explain fraction equivalence are all
math goals in 3rd grade, this app is
perfect. It allows students to use
different kinds of manipulatives as a
support when solving problems
whenever they need it, giving them
autonomy in their learning. The app is
also a great tool for exploring.
Fractions are an abstract concept and
challenging for many students to
visualize. However, given an app like
this that offers many ways for students
to interact with and see wholes divided
into parts connected to the abstract
fraction notation, students can explore
and gain an understanding of what
fractions represent and the value they
hold. This helps students progress to a
conceptual (big picture) understanding.
Also, because the app uses different
colors and everything is to scale, it
helps students grasp a visual
understanding of fractions they will
remember and can mentally refer to
later. This app is especially useful
because it makes using fraction
manipulatives at home easy! It is a
great homework aid and exploratory
opportunity for your student.
Interested in using this at home?
Visit the Apple App Store:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fractio
n-manipulatives/id998968073