You Can Count on Fractions

**ECP Credit Available** Session Description: Building on the progression of partitioning in Grades K-2, participants will learn approaches to conceptualizing and formalizing fraction notation in Grade 3. We will begin by applying counting skills used with whole numbers to the counting of fractions. By counting unit fractions learners develop an understanding of the role the numerator plays in a fraction. We will count together and discuss the role mathematical language plays in our understanding of fractions and see how this understanding leads to development of fraction operations without the need to teach a standard algorithm. Participants will then make and play a fraction game that supports learner development of part, whole, and equivalent parts in the context of fractions through use of a length model. The presenter will share how the game is used in a third-grade classroom to introduce, reinforce, and extend student thinking about fractions.    In this session participants will: 1. Connect whole number counting to counting fractions. 2. Understand how counting fractions develops understanding of fraction concepts and operations. 3. Use games to model and understand fraction concepts of whole, parts, and equivalent parts.