Identifying & counting unit fractions using concrete models with Wipebook
Students enjoy the ease of knowing they don’t have to start over or use “boo boo” tape to cover a mistake. Simply wipe and rewrite. The use of these charts builds confidence and builds teamwork capabilities.
How do you partition into equal parts? How do identify and count unit fractions, while using concrete models? Fractions and understanding the concepts, are challenging to young minds. Understanding fractions within context of a problem, involves critical thinking skills.
You have to unpackage the problem, to understand what you are solving and then applying the learned strategies to specify and partition a whole into equal parts. One of the most effective tools we can use, are Wipebook Flipcharts. They provide the space to try and revise calculations without the pressures of having to start all over.
Reflecting and Application
After teaching a lesson, students are provided with time to debrief. This is the time students are given to apply the skills they have learned, using a problem set. Students are then invited to reflect on their understanding of a given problem and assess the need to revise their thinking.
They review their solutions, check and compare answers with a partner before going over their answers as a class. With the use of Wipebook Flipcharts, students are able to revise their work on the spot, easily and efficiently. Allowing students to have conversations and reflections on the task. As the teacher, I may visit and provide feedback that may easily be revised by a student.
In the task given to students, each student was given a different task to solve, partitioning wholes into equal parts. Although each problem was different, the process for each were similar staying within the 3rd grade benchmarks.
Mistakes are proof we are learning!
When completing word problems, students may find the solution in different ways. Working with partners, allows room for discussions and clarifications. Having students work in small groups on Wipebook Flipcharts, allows students to work together with ample space and the ability to revise as suggestions are made by peers.
Using Wipebook Flipcharts in lieu of chart paper, allows students to edit, revise and change their answers as real time discussions occur. Best of all, when they finish, they wipe them down and have them ready for the next lesson.
I love the durability of these boards, as well as the fact they are reusable. This means less paper waste, especially when students make a mistake. I embrace mistakes, so having the option to erase is a huge plus for my students.
Across the curriculum
I teach multiple subjects. Therefore, math is not the only subject I use my Flipchart. They are perfect for story maps, brainstorming, KWL charts, timelines, etc. The uses are endless. Flipcharts are very user friendly for both students and teachers. Students enjoy the ease of knowing they don’t have to start over or use “boo boo” tape to cover a mistake. Simply wipe and rewrite. The use of these charts builds confidence and builds teamwork capabilities.
Some students choose to use the dotted graphing side to make sure their Canada has the right proportions, and some use it to make a pixel-version! The novelty of VNPS helps students stay engaged and on-task, and brings out some really clever ideas. From critical thinking, brainstorming, temporary note taking, sketching a map, Wipebook Flipcharts help students practice their knowledge in a low-risk way, building confidence and skills they can use every day, even outside of the classroom.
Judid Esquivel, Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary, Riverside Unified District School Board
You May Also Like: