Kids who have been cruising along in math often seem to hit a wall once they get to fractions. But fractions don’t have to be difficult. In this quick video, I explain why the usual “1 part out of 4” definition can be confusing to kids. Plus, I show you a better definition that’s easier for kids to understand and helps them feel confident with fractions right from the start!
Happy Math!
Hi, thanks for sharing!
I teach middle school math and I have previously defined it as “how many parts you have / how many parts it takes to make a whole.” Your way is good, too =)
I like how that definition emphasizes how the parts are related to the whole! Thanks, Alexis. 🙂
I am trying to explain fractions now to my eight year old. Love this video! I think I will buy the recorded session for myself to freshen up. We both are frustrated
Glad you liked the video, Angie, and hope you find the recordings helpful, too!
Kate, that is a lovely way of teaching fractions! In fact, I had to laugh, because that is how I have always taught musical time signatures (which look like fractions). The time signature tells you how many of what kind of note (or equivalent) should be in a measure. Thanks for sharing!
What a great connection, Amanda! I never thought of it that way, but it makes perfect sense. Thanks!
Hi Kate, I’ve just started homeschooling in Australia. I’d really like to watch your tutorial on Fractions That Make Sense. I followed the link but it doesn’t seem to be available amongst the Well Trained Mind courses.
Is there any way you could put up a link to it? Not expecting it for free.
Cheers,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
It’s there, but hard to find! (And still free, too. 🙂 ) Here’s how to register for Fractions That Make Sense:
1. Click on this link. It will take you to the Well-Trained Mind Academy registration page.
2. Type fractions in the “Search by Course Title” box. Fractions That Make Sense–Adult Workshop will come up as a class.
3. Check the box next to the class, then click the box labeled Register.
Happy Math!
Kate
Thanks so much Kate. WTM is a clunky, glitchy sight to navigate and register. The couple of opportunities I’ve had to pursue this have been unsuccessful. I’ll persevere, but so far I think I’ve registered (the page glitched and froze) and I seem to be on the ‘waiting list’ for this online course??!
I need it now, like right now, while I learn along side my 11 year old.
Fractions were a stressful experience for me as a kid. I’d love to make it an exciting learning journey for my son.
Is there anyway you could send me the course. Not expecting it for free. I would love to get fractions right this time around.
Your short video on the best way to think about the denominator and numerator has been SO helpful. Thank you for that one.
Hi Kathy,
Sorry, I don’t have the bits and pieces all assembled into an easy-to-send package. Have you tried reaching out the WTMA customer service? Someone from there should be able to help you and get you registered.
Happy Math!
Kate
I just finished our first fraction lesson and noticed a “huh” look when we got to the 1 out of 4 concept. I said, “hang on. You go do piano. I’m going to see what Kate Snow says.” Her response? “Good! She makes math make sense!”
Yes she does! We are grateful for your simplifying language! If we ever meet, dinner is on me!
Making math make sense is my mission! So glad that’s how your daughter knows that “making sense” is how math should feel. Thanks for taking the time to let me know, and happy math!
Kate
Hello,
Today I came across your video for fractions and was hoping to watch your online course – Fractions That Make Sense, on the Well Trained Mind Website. I did see another person has asked the same question, so I followed your directions for that. However, the course doesn’t seem to be on their site. I did just leave a message for them, but thought I’d reach out to you also.
Thank you for your time!
Hi Stephanie,
WTMA has moved it off of their site, and I’ll be posting the full course here at some point. But I’m a little swamped right now with writing, so it may be a few months before I’m able to make it happen. Sorry that it’s not available right now.
Happy Math!
Kate
I love all your other books, will you be writing a fraction facts that stick book?
Maybe someday! But completing the Math with Confidence program will be my top priority for a while yet.
Happy Math!
Kate