From: fiona kerr <kerr.fiona@edumail.vic.gov.au>
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 2003093002:06:49
Subject: Re: How can I teach equivalent fractions?



I reckon pizzas (pies, cakes or tarts as culturally appropriate) are a
great way to teach equivalent fractions.  Cut a real or virtual pizza
into thirds and one into halves.  It's obvious that 1/3 + 1/2 is not
2/5. (you could also cut a third pizza into fifths for comparison if
you need).  Then, having used all that energy on maths, morning tea is
ready! This is also a good way of introducing comparisons of the size
of different fractions (would you rather have 3/7 or 2/5 of a pizza?.)

It might also be a good idea to check your students really understand
what 2/3 or 4/5 is.  I've blithely "taught" a few kids lots of
equivalent fractions and common denominators only to realise they
don't really get the whole fraction thing.

Good luck! 

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