![]() Multiplying fractions can be a difficult concept to make hands-on, but pattern blocks make it simple (and so much fun!). While I now use pattern blocks to teach all fraction concepts, my favorite fraction concept to teach with pattern blocks is multiplying fractions. Since the algorithm for fraction multiplication looks so easy, it’s tempting to hand students the “shortcut” and skip out on building conceptual understanding.īut building conceptual understanding is SO important, especially with fractions! Since there are no fraction labels on the pieces, the possibilities are endless in how you use pattern blocks! Also, having the different shapes helps students really see how certain pieces fit into others. ![]() What makes them so powerful is that students have to rely on their understanding of fractions as a relationship of a part of a whole. Pattern blocks are now my absolute favorite way to teach all fraction concepts. If only I’d known what an incredible tool they are for teaching fractions, those pattern blocks would’ve gotten a lot more use (and my students would’ve understood fractions a lot better!). “What in the world can students do with pattern blocks in fourth and fifth grade?” I wondered. My students used nearly every manipulative under the sun… with the exception of the pattern blocks. My first year teaching, I inherited approximately 1,000,000 math manipulatives - plastic tubs full of pattern blocks, fraction tiles, play money, counters, geoboards, measuring tapes, and thousands of 1-inch plastic tiles. Young and eager, I jumped in headfirst with the manipulatives. ![]()
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