In an effort to emphasize the importance of looking at fractions first when subtracting mixed numbers, I began chanting "fractions first!" to my 5th graders. As expected, they quickly joined in. It wasn't long before a small stick figure rally was drawn on the board and I pointed to it as students chanted while we subtracted together. Students were quite enthused by our new mantra and wanted to know if we could make posters and march outside the school chanting "fractions first!" With a giggle and an "I'll think about it," we trudged on.
After a lengthy school day and hosting a math class for parents, I came home in a state of delirium and began further entertaining the student's desire to loudly proclaim their fraction knowledge. The kiddos also need reminders to find a common denominator, but it doesn't yield itself to a chant quite as well. Then it came to me. I need a bullhorn. Think...
Me: "What do we want?"
Students: "Common denominators!"
Me: "When do we want them?"
Students: "Now!"
This all simultaneously seems absolutely absurd and genius. Why not have a fraction rally?
So now, I turn to you. These kiddos want to make posters and make this happen. I want to maximize the educational benefit (and the fun).
- What other concepts do you think we could easily incorporate to our fraction rally?
- What am I not considering that could make this amazing or a disaster?
- Have you launched a successful fraction rally? Let me know how it went!
