1)Write some fractions on the board and show the kids a big pack of chocolate chip cookies, boy does that get their attention and stir up some excitement!
2)Let the kids vote for which fraction of a cookie they want. Now at this point I have not explained what a fraction is so they have no idea what the numbers mean. I just tell them these are fractions, they're my favorite part of math ever, and we're going to be learning about them. I also tell them that nobody will get a whole cookie to themselves they will only get a piece so this helps them realize that a fraction is just a piece.
3)Cut up the cookies (using a doc. camera so they can all see) and this is when we really talk about what a fraction is and what the numbers mean. We compare the size of one half, one fourth, and one eighth. Being the nice teacher that I am, I give them a chance to change their mind and vote again and wouldn't you know, they all want one half!
4)Eat!
 |
| This is how they voted before we cut up the cookies. |
Great lesson! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTammy
Forever in First
Love teaching fractions, too! Have you used the old book, Alligator Pie...it is really good =)
ReplyDeleteJennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
What a great idea! :) I'd have to use those Soft batch cookies though- {wait do they make those anymore?}
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Jennifer- I haven't read that book! I'm going to have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJennifer (whoops, I'm responding to two Jennifers!)- Definitely get soft cookies! My 1st grade teachers actually used apples, but those are way to hard to cut into even fractions so I went the non-healthy route with cookies. But I figured half a cookie wouldn't hurt too much.
The doc camera is a good idea. I bet Mrs. King didn't have that! I think the revote is a great idea too!
ReplyDeleteAll of the sudden i can't wait to start on fractions!! thanx for this GREAT idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great introduction to fractions. That would certainly help me remember!
ReplyDeleteMisty @
Think, Wonder, & Teach
This is such a great project! I wish my school district let us use food! :(
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Thank you so much for this idea. I begin fractions tomorrow and will do this!
ReplyDeleteBarrow's Hodgepodge
U used this today!! ((and i was being evaluated no less!!)) the kids LOVED it.. My Superintendent LOVED it.. In fact.. he wrote his fraction as 99/100!!!! lol
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