Fraction Message

Harper, Charles Goldblatt Elementary School
1-312-638-7768


Objective The student will be able to find pictorial representations of fractions and decode messages. Equipment and Materials Overhead projector Transparencies Typing paper Colored markers Compass Cellophane tape Protractor Worksheet: Prepare a worksheet using fractional statements that when solved, the student will get a letter (alphabet) which will be used in a code to solve the message. Example: "3 hrs. to a day"; "6 months to a year"; and "3 dimes to $.80." This information is placed in chart form with a space above each statement for a letter of the alphabet. When the statement is solved, the letter is filled in for that space. All the spaces are worked and filled in with the correct letter forming a code which will give a command for the student to carry out. Transparencies: Prepare transparencies which will show fractional parts of a circle. Color code each fractional part. A color can be used for all fractions showing thirds, fourths, and fifths. With typing paper, design the code by placing the letters (alphabets) in the lower corners and the fractional names in the upper right corner. Place the typing sheet behind the transparency and attach the top corners with tape. Recommended Strategies Review fractions by using the prepared transparencies. Remind the students that the numerator (number above the line) represents the sections used or shaded. The denominator (number below the line) represents the total number of equal parts of the circle. Discuss all transparencies and place them so that they can be viewed with the codes visible in a line. Distribute the worksheets in a pack or individually. Have the students solve each statement and identify the answer in the coded section near the top. The letter corresponding to the answer should be written above the statement. When finished, the student will read and act out the message. Allow time to decode and act out the message. Discuss any spelling errors. Make sure the entire class knows the correct answer before moving to the next message.
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