Viewing entries tagged
flipped classroom

Equivalent Fractions 3rd Grade Resources, Worksheets and Activities

Comment

Equivalent Fractions 3rd Grade Resources, Worksheets and Activities

5 Free Equivalent Fractions 3rd Grade Resources

The best equivalent fractions for 3rd graders resources includes worksheets, activities, and games

Equivalent fractions for 3rd graders: This guide shares several free activities and worksheets for exploring equivalent fractions.

One of the trickiest topics for 3rd graders to grasp is the concept of equivalent fractions.

To be successful, students need both a procedural understanding of working with equivalent fractions as well as a deep conceptual understanding that will allow them to apply their understanding to more challenging topics involving fractions.

The free Equivalent Fractions 3rd Grade Resources shared in this post will help you to give your students opportunities to develop both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding of equivalent fractions.

Below, you will find links to access 5 equivalent fractions for 3rd graders activities (including equivalent fractions worksheets with answer keys). You can pick-and-choose which resources you want to use to supplement your lesson plans, or you can utilize all 5 equivalent fractions for 3rd graders activities in chronological order over the course of several consecutive lessons to form a complete unit on equivalent fractions.

You can use any of the links below to jump to a specific equivalent fractions for 3rd graders worksheet, or you can scroll through the entire post to access all of the free resources.

Again, we recommend starting with a conceptual exploration of the topic before you teach procedure. Then, you can utilize activities that combine both skills before finishing with practice or review activities that assess how well your students understand equivalent fractions.

Do you want more free 3rd Grade math resources in your inbox every week? Click here to sign up for our math education email newsletter

Equivalent Fractions 3rd Grade Resources

1.) Fraction Strips

When first introducing your 3rd grades to the concept of fractions and equivalent fractions, we recommend giving them an opportunity to conceptually explore the topic before introducing them to any procedure (such as finding common denominators).

This way, students can develop a visual understanding of the concept that they can utilize later on when procedure comes into play.

One of the best hands-on activities for exploring fractions is the use of Fraction Strips—rectangular sheet of colored paper that represent fractions (although fraction strips can also be digital or made out of plastic).

Equivalent Fraction Games for 3rd Grade: Fraction Strips are a fun way to visually explore the concept of equivalent fractions before learning/memorizing procedures.

For example, the image above shows how a 3rd grade student could use fraction strips to visualize why 4/8, 2.4, and 1/2 are all equivalent fractions before ever learning any procedure.

You can learn more about using fraction strips in your classroom by accessing our Free Guide to Fraction Strips, which will show you how to have students make their own fraction strips by hand in addition to a printable fraction strip activity and virtual fraction strip resources.

2.) Equivalent Fractions Explained - Free Student Guide

After 3rd graders have developed an initial conceptual understanding of equivalent fractions are, they are ready to learn the procedure of determining whether or not two given fractions are equivalent.

Our free step-by-step guide to equivalent fractions builds upon and extends your students’ understanding of equivalent fractions to include procedure. As a teacher, you can use this free guide and included examples and visual aides to structure your equivalent fractions 3rd grade lesson.

 

Our free equivalent fractions 3rd grade guide combines procedural skills with visual representations.

 

The free guide is also an excellent resource for students who have missed class time or need an in-depth review of equivalent fractions.

3.) Solving Equivalent Fractions Using Legos

After students have begun to build conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, the next step can be participating in activities that combine both skills. Our next equivalent fractions for 3rd graders resource is a suggestion to use Legos as a hands-on tool and visual aide for exploring and solving equivalent fractions.

The image below shows how you can use Lego bricks to represent one whole and the fractions 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 3/4. Using Legos, students have a side-by-side visual aid that corresponds with their mathematical work.

 

Equivalent Fraction Games for 3rd Grade: Legos are a great hands-on tool and visual aide for exploring equivalent fractions.

 

For example, like Fraction Strips, 3rd grade students can use Legos to visualize why 4/8 and 2/4 are equivalent fractions and why they both can be simplified down to 1/2. This simple yet powerful hands-on activity will help your 3rd grade students to develop both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

 

Example of using Legos to model an equivalent fractions scenario.

 

4.) Solving Equivalent Fractions Using Fraction Circles

Yet another effective equivalent fractions 3rd grade activity that helps students to develop both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency is the use of fraction circles as a visual aide for solving problems.

Circle diagrams are also commonly used to represent fractions, so it is important for 3rd graders to gain experience working with them.

For example, the image below shows how your 3rd grade students could use fraction circles to determine that 6/10 and 3/5 are equivalent fractions, and that 3/4 and 6/9 are not equivalent fractions.

Fraction Circles can be used to help students with determining whether two given fractions are equivalent or not.

If you are looking for an awesome (and free) virtual resource for using fraction circles, we recommend the fraction circle’s feature on Mathigon’s Polypad app.

 

Mathigon’s Polypad app is a great free virtual resource for exploring equivalent fractions 3rd grade.

 

5.) Equivalent Fractions Worksheets 3rd Grade

Finally, once your students have had plenty of experience exploring equivalent fractions and gaining strong conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, they are ready to apply their skills to solving problems that resemble what they will likely see on assessments and exams.

You can use the links below to download 3 different Equivalent Fractions Worksheets 3rd Grade PDF files with complete answer keys. All three worksheets are samples from the 3rd Grade Worksheet Libraries available on our membership website.

Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade Preview

Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade Preview

Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade Preview

▶ Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade: Coloring in Equivalent Fractions

▶ Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade: Equivalent Fraction Statements: True or False?

▶ Equivalent Fractions Worksheet 3rd Grade: Fill in the Missing Values to Make the Fractions Equivalent

More Teaching Insights Just for You:

Comment

The Flipped Classroom Model Explained

1 Comment

The Flipped Classroom Model Explained

What is a Flipped Classroom?

How to use the flipped classroom model to boost learning outcomes, motivation and engagement

What is a flipped classroom? In a flipped classroom, teachers facilitate collaboration and provide small group instruction instead of lecturing. (Image: Mashup Math via Getty)

An effective teacher should not be a sage on a stage, but a guide on the side. -Alice King

In the traditional classroom model, students typically spend the majority of their class time passively observing direct instruction and taking notes. Under this model, students typically have to wait until class is over to apply what they have learned to solving actual problems (usually in the form of homework assignments).

Conversely, the flipped classroom model reverses the traditional model in that students use technology to access direct instruction outside of the classroom and then spend class time working on practice problems and activities that require higher-level thinking, all while a teacher is present to facilitate and answer questions as they arise.

The flipped classroom model is built around the idea that class time—when a teacher is present—should focus on applying skills and working through problems (active learning), while direct instruction should be accessed outside of class time (passive learning).

 

What is a flipped classroom?

 

The flipped classroom model—which is driven by students watching a video lesson or slideshow presentation for homework and then spending the bulk of class time working on problems and activities—is transforming the role of a teacher in the 21st Century.

Additional benefits of the flipped model include more time for activities and collaboration, students being able to work at their own pace, and teachers getting to actually teach rather than delivering a prepared lecture over and over again.

The Flipped Classroom Model vs. The Traditional Classroom Model

Given the pros of the flipped classroom model—namely giving students more time to apply what they are learning to solving complex problems under the guidance of a teacher—you may be wondering how you can incorporate this style of instruction into your classroom.

First, it is important that you acknowledge that any teacher can successfully implement the flipped classroom model to some degree.

Are you ready to make the flip?

Getting Started with the Flipped Classroom Model

Flipped Classroom Motivation and Engagement: Students use technology to access direct instruction outside of the classroom. (Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash)

If you are intrigued by the potential of flipping but are struggling with the anxiety of taking on the challenge or simply can’t figure out where to start—it’s easier and more doable than you think!

While the following tips do not encompass every aspect of effectively flipping your classroom, they will help you to overcome some of the fears and start you on the path to shifting the focus in your classroom from teaching to learning!

1.) You're Not Alone

Flipping your classroom can be intimidating and it’s important to remember that you are not in this alone. When you begin to experiment with the flipped classroom model, let your fellow teachers, administrators, students and their parents know what you are doing and, more importantly, why you decided to do it. People will be more supportive of your endeavor and more accommodating of any missteps if they know that your intention is to create a learning environment that is better suited to meet the unique needs of every student.

2.) Expect Some Resistance

Change can be challenging. You need to prepare yourself for resistance from students and parents who are devoted to traditional models of instruction. Such resistance can be overcome by informing students and parents why you have chosen to implement a flipped classroom model and how it can enrich the educational experience. The first few weeks of flipping may be shaky, but your commitment will pay off in the long run, as early resistors often become ardent supporters once they see concrete results.

 

Teachers often encounter some initial resistance when they first start implementing the flipped classroom model. (Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash)

 

3.) Start Small

Teachers often avoid the flipped classroom model in fear of the time, effort, and energy it takes to completely transform all of their materials and lesson plans. For anyone who shares this feeling, here’s some good news—you can start small and flip only one unit or even just one lesson! Think about a unit or concept that is particularly difficult to teach and consider flipping only those lessons. If the experience is positive, then you can continue to flip future lessons as you move through the school year.

4.) Take Advantage of YouTube

Another source of anxiety for those who are considering flipping their classroom is the demand for creating video content. Many teachers either lack the time or are simply not comfortable with filming and editing video. Luckily, there are tons of high-quality and standard-based video lessons that can be accessed for free on YouTube. Some awesome examples include Mashup Math,  ASAP Science, and National Geographic.

 

Did you know that Mashup Math shares over 150 free animated video lessons on our YouTube channel?

 

5.) Use Some Tools

As the flipped classroom model becomes more popular, more tech companies are producing apps and software that is specifically designed to make the flipped classroom easier for educators. One particular application, WeVideo, is a simple, yet powerful, platform that allows teachers and students to create engaging educational videos. Adobe Spark is another effective video-creation app. Similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, you can use simple drag-and-drop skills to create captivating video lessons from your desktop computer or mobile phone.

6.) Use Student Feedback

If you're flipping for the first time, then prepare to make mistakes…lots of them! Plan time to debrief with students and to collect feedback. Implementing an experimental model will require frequent course corrections and student feedback will be valuable. Effective flippers have regular debriefing sessions with students to formatively assess their experiences and to dictate future instruction.

7.) Embrace the Challenge

Flipping your classroom will be a challenge and you can count on a few missteps along the way, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort! Remember that flipping your classroom is not about technology; it’s about transforming education and redefining the role of the teacher. Becoming a flipped educator will not diminish your role as an educator—it will enhance it.

And your students will reap the benefits of a superior learning experience, while you may just rediscover your love of teaching at the same time.

 

Effective flipped classroom teachers make time to debrief with students and to collect valuable feedback. (Image: Mashup Math MJ)

 

Flipped Classroom Motivation and Engagement

On a final note, the topic of how the flipped classroom model affects student motivation and engagement should not be ignored.

Recent studies support the idea of a flipped classroom motivation and engagement boost amongst students. (Image: Mashup Math MJ)

In fact, many schools adopt the flipped classroom model as a means of motivating and engaging struggling students who are underserved by traditional instruction methods. It is not surprising why many school improvement plans adopt some form of the flipped classroom model.

As more classrooms flip, more data is becoming available on the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model.

A recent study has concluded that, under the flipped classroom model, students across all grade levels were significantly more engaged throughout their courses with a continuously increasing trend, and that the previously lowest performing students had the largest percentage of improvement.

So, if you are looking to take advantage of the flipped classroom motivation and engagement boost and try a new way to reaching your students, the flipped classroom model.

More Teaching Insights Just for You:

1 Comment