When I started 5th grade this year I had no idea it was going to be the year of fractions. Fractions, fractions, fractions. I’m finding that the time I have for directly teaching fractions is just not enough. So, I’ve been working to find ways to make the most of every moment.
Task cards have the versatility I was looking for.
I print them up on card stock and have a wonderful helper cut them out with the paper cutter.
I’ve hole punched them and hung them at the bottom of a bulletin board within the students reach.
I made a binder of for my Answer Keys so students can check their work when they use them independently.
I really want my students to be thoughtful about their learning, so I made a page for them to keep track of what they’ve completed. You may notice that my binder and the Completed Tasks pages are color coded. I just used colorful sticky notes to tab the sections of answer keys. Each of my Fraction Task Card Bundles are color coded. I like to use color to help me stay organized. The kids get a black and white version and I use the color version in the binder and when showing it on the Interactive White Board.
My Compare Fractions Bundle task cards are all a shade of green.
My Equivalent Fractions Bundle task cards are all shades of blue.
My Add and Subtract Fractions Bundle (with unlike denominators) task cards are all shades of purple.
I haven’t finished and uploaded all the task cards that are in red group but there will be a bundle when they are complete.
You may notice a number in parentheses. My math program gives me the ability to print detailed progress reports that have skills numbered. I have my students track in their journal which skills they’ve passed and which they need help with. I added these skill numbers to this task card record sheet for them so they could make smart choices. I will have them highlight the skills the progress report shows they need.
When I find myself with a bit of extra time, we’ll play scoot with skills I know they need. When they finish their work early than can take a set of cards from the wall to do independently or in small groups.
I want the students to think about whether they were successful, so the back of the binder reminds them how to calculate their percentage.
How are your kiddos doing with fractions?
This is such a good system! What math curriculum does your district use?
Brandi
My Teacher Friend
Great organizational idea! I was just pondering this same thing over the weekend!!
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties