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Operations with  Fractions
The Table of Contents is found on Page 1 - there you will find a list of tasks.

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Whole Numbers, Place Value, and Rounding
The Table of Contents is found on Page 2 - there you will find a list of tasks. a

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Multiply Whole Numbers by Fractions - Word Problems - Task Cards

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Multiply Whole Numbers by Fractions - Word Problems - Task Cards

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Fun activity for creating and identifying equivalent fractions.

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Great activity for practicing identifying equivalent fractions.

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Go to this link for an explanation on the various ways you can use the spinners. I've downloaded for you below as well.

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I recently asked a question on my Teaching Resources Facebook about what teachers need right now, and several of you responded by asking for fraction activities. Fortunately, I have a whole page on my website devoted to fractions, and most items are free!

This Fraction Spinner set is one freebie you'll find there. It doesn't come with directions, so I decided to post a few ideas here and ask others to share their suggestions. There are actually 2 variations of the spinner; one has different denominators and the other spinner has twelfths as the denominator for all fractions. I changed the image and heading on each spinner slightly so that if you use both of them, your students won't get mixed up.

Click to download these two spinners or go directly to the Fraction File Cabinet page to find them and other fraction freebies. Just print the spinner that's right for your class and use a paper clip and a pencil as shown on the directions.

Fraction Spinner Game Suggestions
What would you do with one of these fraction spinners? They're perfect for creating fraction center games or cooperative learning activities. I suggest having students play with a partner rather than in teams so they'll be more actively involved. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Simplifying Fractions Game (Same Denominator Spinner) - Have students take turns spinning the spinner and recording the fraction. If it's already in lowest term, they score one point. If it needs to be simplified and they do it correctly, they score two points. If they think it's in lowest terms but it's not, they lose a point.

Adding or Subtracting Fractions Game - Students spin twice and record each fraction. They also flip a coin. If the coin lands on heads, they add the fractions and simplify. If the coin lands on tails, they subtract the smaller one from the larger one. Students score a point for each correct answer. Because there's no answer key, both players will have to work the problem or one can check with a calculator that handles fractions.

Comparing Fractions Game - Each student spins the spinner once and records his or her fraction. Players compare fractions and decide who has the larger fraction. The person with the larger fraction for that round wins a point. They continue playing until one person scores 10 points.

Ordering Fractions Game - Students spin the spinner 3 times and record all 3 fractions. They rearrange the fractions so that they are in order from least to greatest. If the other player agrees on the arrangement, the player scores a point. Continue playing until one person scores 10 points.

I love how easy it is to take a simple item like a fraction spinner and create lots of different math games. How would you use these spinners in your math class?

Teaching Resources

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I recently asked a question on my Teaching Resources Facebook about what teachers need right now, and several of you responded by asking for fraction activities. Fortunately, I have a whole page on my website devoted to fractions, and most items are free! This Fraction Spinner set is one freebie you'll find there.

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Using number lines to order fractions.

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Hands-on activity - great for reviewing attributes of figures.

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Unit 13

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Unit 12

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Unit 11

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Unit 10

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Unit 9

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Unit 8

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Unit 7

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Unit 6

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Unit 5

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Unit 4

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Unit 3

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Unit 2: Place Value

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Unit 1: Two-Dimensional Figures

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Puzzle activity - great for a center

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I really like how this connects conversation to learning. NEW!

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It seems like I have picked a few topics lately that just don't fit into one blog post! I wanted to share two different "warm ups" I did with fraction number lines-and two different types of "math talk" that resulted from them. Give these two lessons a try and see what you think! I went kind of "photo journalism" style because I thought the pictures helped tell the story! Watch not just for the important fraction understanding-but the immersion in the Standards for Mathematical Process as well!

Before we go on...if you want even MORE fraction help and freebies, just CLICK THIS BUTTON and watch your inbox for a series of free fraction tips and printables for you to use!

Fraction Number Lines to Build Number Sense and Math Talk

First of all...if you have followed me for long, you know I love number lines-especially number lines that think "outside the box"-even number lines can be rote and low level-so we want to watch for that!

The other day I gave my students this one...it had the 0 and the 2 marked-and asked students to identify what number they felt that "dot" was showing. My first step is always to ask them to THINK before they even pick up their pencil. While they think, I remind them to consider what they know and can tell from just looking at it. I really think slowing them down before they start writing can lead to deeper understanding and reduce careless errors. Plus-for those students who ARE slower processors...not having to watch 20 other students get to work feverishly while they sit is SO refreshing and validating for them. After some think time, they were off!

Some asked if they could use rulers...I simply said, "If you think it will help..."

Justifying Our Thinking

I noticed that some students seemed to be putting fractions on their number lines WITHOUT adding the whole numbers first. I asked, "Are you sure 1/4 goes there? How do you know?" Their answers told me a ton about their level of understanding. Some had already visualized where the "1" went-others were simply putting it "where it looked right".

As with all my number line work, I want them to be able to explain their reasoning both in writing and orally. As students were working to finish, I had students begin to write their ideas down so they were ready to buddy up.

When we were all in a good place (in other words, essentially finished), I put students in pairs and trios and gave them the following direction:
You must all come to consensus about what fraction you will assign your dot. When you are all in agreement (and this took SOME debate in some groups!), you will mark it on the white copy and start explaining your thinking. When you present, I will call on whoever I want so make sure everyone is accountable for the information and explanation.

(or something to that effect)

I circulated and listened and coached and looked for misconceptions and mistakes. I also looked to see the variety of strategies shown so I could have a variety of ideas to share under the projector.

For this particular problem, we had some debate. About half the groups believed the dot to be at 3/4 while the other groups had a variety of answers. One by one, they presented their solution and defended their logic. Along the way, there were a few "a-ha's"...and a few stubborn souls who stood their ground despite very good arguments from others!

At one point, we put two different solutions up and had students try to determine which one they felt was "more right"...and which explanations seemed most plausible.

We also showcased different strategies that seemed to help some groups. This group used different colors for each step along the way-and other groups agreed that this seemed to make their explanation easier to follow.

Finally, we ended up grabbing a spare number line and doing some folding to find those midway points and really "prove" what the 3/4 teams were proposing. We had a great discussion...and SO much learning happened-and the students did it ALL! Consider trying the strategy:

1. Think time
2. Independent time
3. Partner/consensus time
4. Whole group sharing and debating time

Watch how engaged your students will be...and let me know how it goes!

Looking for the fraction number line resource pictured?

I also have two other number line resources and a bundle of all three...see what you think! I use them ALL year long.

Want to pin this post for later? Here you go! And watch for several more fraction posts coming soon!

Looking for an entire fraction UNIT to get students thinking and talking? Check this one out!

(the number lines are not a part of this resource)

Or even my entire fraction toolkit of TEN great resources...such a great deal!

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Fraction Number Lines, Number Sense, and Math Discourse Part 1 - The Teacher Studio

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It seems like I have picked a few topics lately that just don't fit into one blog post! I wanted to share two different "warm ups" I did with fraction number lines-and two different types of "math talk" that resulted from them. Give these two lessons a try and see what you think!

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FY18 Grade 4 Standards Assessed on Winter Diagnostics - by Question Number

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FY18 Grade 4 Standards Assessed on Winter Diagnostics - by Question Number

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Shared by Cari Carter - thank you!!!!

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Standards Assessed on the Winter Diagnostic

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Standards Assessed on the Winter Diagnostic

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Standards Assessed on the Winter Diagnostic - by Standard Taught

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Standards Assessed on the Winter Diagnostic - by Standard Taught

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4.NBT.B.6

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Multiplication Strategy: Doubling and Halving

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Multiplication Strategy: Doubling and Halving

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Word Problems : Multiplicative Comparison

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Word Problems : Multiplicative Comparison

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4.OA. A. 2

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Operations and Algebraic Thinking

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Several  great activities for your kiddos!!

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A HUGE thank you goes out to Alyssa Newbeck for sharing 

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A HUGE thank you goes out to Alyssa Newbeck for sharing 

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Dividers/Scales

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This file may be too large to view - just download it :)

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An activity for kiddos to practice math vocabulary!

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This Not So Wimpy Teacher has some fun ideas for teaching vocabulary

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This Not So Wimpy Teacher has some fun ideas for teaching vocabulary

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Last updated on August 30, 2019 by EWD Admin

Vocabulary instruction is so critical is today's classroom! A vast vocabulary will help students to become better readers and writers. Vocabulary is also essential to their performance on standardized tests. Helping kids to develop their vocabulary is time that is well spent in a busy classroom. I have developed a vocabulary routine that keeps my vocabulary instruction simple to plan and a meaningful use of instructional minutes. If you want to read more about my weekly routine, click on the picture below.

I love using games to practice and review vocabulary words. Games are engaging and fun. Students will remember more when they are having fun! Games can be used in centers or as a whole group activity. I have come up with ten different games that are super simple and can be played with any list of words. You can play these games with ELA words, science words or even math vocabulary!

At the end of the post- in red font- you can sign up to receive all of the game printables shown throughout this post for FREE! That will make it super easy to start playing these games in your classroom tomorrow!

Each student will need one of the free game boards. If you want to be able to use them over and over, laminate and have students use dry erase markers. Otherwise, they can use any writing utensil. Provide a long list of vocabulary words. Students will need 24 words, so it is a good game to play at the end of the unit to review. You can also mix math, Science and ELA words for a review of multiple subjects! Students will write a different word in each box. They decide which words and what order to write them in so that every board is a little different. When you are ready to play, gi ve students a definition. Students determine the word. If they have that word on their board, they can cover it or color it. The first person to get five in a row is the winner.

Y ou can grab this bingo board free by signing up at the bottom of this post!

To play this game, you will need cards with vocabulary words and cards with their meanings. You can make them with index cards or you can use the free editable card template that I have provided. Students shuffle up the cards and place them face down in an array. Students take turns flipping two cards.

If they flip over a match- the word and its meaning- they keep the two cards. If they are not a match, they flip the cards back over and it is the next person's turn. Play continues until all of the cards are gone.
Y ou can grab these editable word cards for FREE by signing up at the bottom of this post!

For this game, you can use the word cards from the memory game or you can write words on popsicle sticks. You will also want some of the free pop cards or write pop on several sticks. Put the cards or sticks into a container. Students take turns pulling one card or stick out of the container. If they pull a word card, they must give the definition. You can change this up a bit by requiring them to give a synonym and antonym if you prefer. If they answer correctly, they keep the card. If they are wrong, it goes back in the container. If they draw a pop, they must put all of their cards back in the container.

This game won't end on its own because there are always pop cards. When the time is up, the winner is the person with the most cards.
Y ou can grab these POP cards for FREE by signing up at the bottom of this post!

This game is perfect for a small group or center. You will need word cards. Students will take turns putting a word card on their headband, so that they cannot see it but the other players can. The student will ask yes or no questions of the other group members until they can correctly guess the word. For example: "Is my word a verb?" "Is 'take' a synonym for my word?" Tell students that they must be asking questions pertaining to the definition, part of speech and definition! Once a student guesses their word, the next player takes a turn. You can also use the timer that comes with the game to keep things moving. There really isn't a winner for this game, but it always a favorite in my classroom.

Y ou can grab these editable word cards for FREE by signing up at the bottom of this post!

This is a good whole group game, but you can have students working in teams. You will need to use word cards again. You will be taping them, face down, onto your board so that the whole class can see the blank back of the card. You will add the category and point cards that I have provided for you.

The first team will choose a category and a point amount. Flip that card over and give that team 5-10 seconds to answer. So if they choose Synonyms for threes points, they need to give a synonym for the vocabulary word. If they are correct, their team gets the three point. I usually just keep score on the board. If they are not correct, put the card back so that another team can try it. Once all of the cards have been completed, the team with the most points is the wining team. Be sure to put the toughest words in the five point row!

You can grab these FREE jeopardy heading cards by signing up at the bottom of this post.

For this game, you will need a small ball and a trash can. I also put a piece of masking tape on the floor to show students where to stand when they throw.

The teacher will need a list of vocabulary words. I like to do boys versus girls- so I have them line up boy, girl, boy, girl, etc. But you can do different teams if you want. Have students get in a line starting at the tape. Ask the first person a question. You can just give them a word and ask for a definition or a synonym or to use it in a sentence. You can even use questions from assessments. If the student gets the question right, they get a point for their team and they get the chance to throw the ball. If they make the basket, they get a bonus point for their team. If they are not correct, the question goes to the next person in line. At the end of the allotted time, the team with the most points is the winner.

This is so simple to implement because you are using simple games that students already know how to play. Games that I suggest are Candy Land, Checkers, Connect Four, Chutes and Ladders, etc. It is ok if the games seem childish for your grade level. The kids love playing them anyway!

You will also need word cards. The game is played according to the rules. The only change is that before a player can take their turn on the game board, they must flip over a word card and correctly define it. If they are correct, they get their turn. If they are incorrect, it is the next person's turn. It is so simple, but my kids beg for it!
Y ou can grab these editable word cards for FREE by signing up at the bottom of this post!

This is another whole group game that you will play in teams. You will need some sort of buzzers or bells. I got these fun animal sound buzzers. (Click on the photo for a link to Amazon.)

I like these buzzers, because each team gets their own animal sound. The kids LOVE it. But be sure to do some training about proper use. I take a point if I hear a buzzer at an inappropriate time. Teams stand in a line behind their buzzer so that they can easily take turns. The teacher asks any vocabulary question and when a team thinks they know the answer, they push their buzzer. The first buzzer I hear, gets to answer. If they are correct, their team gets a point. If they are incorrect, the other three teams get another chance to buzz in and answer. Then those four students go to the back of their team line. The winning team is the team with the most points when time is up or you run out of questions.

This game doesn't require any prep and could be done when you find yourself with a little extra time before lunch or during rainy day recess. I often play this with the whole group with teams, but it could be played with a small group. Teams will take turns being the actor. Either give the team a word card, or just whisper the word in their ear. The team or the student will go to the front and act out the word. They can't talk. The audience will guess what word they are. You can give the audience teams buzzers or just let them call out answers. You can give teams a point for getting answers correct, or you can just play for fun.
Y ou can grab these editable word cards for FREE by signing up at the bottom of this post!

This is a super simple game. Students will play in a small group and only need word cards (or even definition cards!) and a die. Players take turns flipping a card and giving the definition (or if it is a definition card- they give the word).

If they are correct, they roll the die to see how many points they get. If they are incorrect, it is the next person's turn. The winner is the person with the most points when time is up or all the word cards are gone.
Y ou can grab these editable word cards for FREE by signing up below!

Would you like all of the FREE game printables mentioned in this post? #ofcourse

Do you have resources for helping your students to learn tier two vocabulary? I have put together units that include everything you need to teach, practice and assess vocabulary. Each unit includes teacher plans, weekly word lists, daily activities, task cards and assessments. Click on the pictures to get a better look at each unit.

Are you wanting to learn more about vocabulary instruction? I highly recommend the book Word Nerds. It is a book that I think every teacher should read and I based my units on a lot of her strategies. Click on the picture below to learn more about the book.

Have a Not So Wimpy day!

P.S. In case you missed the link in the post, click HERE to grab the free games!

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10 Games to Play with any Vocabulary Words - Not So Wimpy Teacher

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Vocabulary instruction is so critical is today's classroom! A vast vocabulary will help students to become better readers and writers. Vocabulary is also essential to their performance on standardized tests. Helping kids to develop their vocabulary is time that is well spent in a busy classroom.

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Great for implementing vocab development in math. This creator gives you a template so all you have to do is fill in the words! She  even gives you a journal cover

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Great for implementing vocab development in math. This creator gives you a template so all you have to do is fill in the words! She  even gives you a journal cover

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Love this!!! Jenga and QR Codes - this is a great center activity for spiral review. The creator has a variety of math problems for kiddos to solve.

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Love this!!! Jenga and QR Codes - this is a great center activity for spiral review. The creator has a variety of math problems for kiddos to solve.

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Create your own activity using these QR Code Templates

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Create your own activity using these QR Code Templates

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Prime and Composite Task Cards with QR Codes

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Prime and Composite Task Cards with QR Codes

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Love this!!! She gives you step-by-step directions on how to create this fun learning activity!!!

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Love this!!! She gives you step-by-step directions on how to create this fun learning activity!!!

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This can also be used in Unit 8 because one of the activities involves comparing fractions and mixed numbers. Have fun!

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Week 1 Answer Key

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Week 1

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Week 2 Answer Key

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Week 2

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Week 3 Answer Key

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Week 3

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Week 4 Answer Key

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Week 4

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Week 5 Answer Key

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Week 5

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Week 6 Answer Key