Author: Cynthia Wills

Fractions Are Coming!

Dear Parents

We are beginning our work on fractions next week. Fear not! Fractions are just breaking something whole into smaller equal parts.
Many students fear fractions because they don’t understand the terminology or why fractions are important. The goal of this newsletter is to help both parents and students understand how fractions work.
We tend to use fractions just enough to understand portions such as a ½ off sale, ¼ tank of gas, or a ¾-inch wrench. Parents may have a difficult time explaining fractions in a way that helps children understand. We are frustrated, so the children are too. And some children have a preconceived idea from older siblings that fractions are hard.
In school, we will assume that students know the meaning of words, half, third, fourth, etc. We will start by talking about sharing – cutting an apple in half, equally spreading six toys among three children, filling a glass ¾ full – all tangible, feel and touch, things. Even though it sounds simple this forms the basic construct for fractions.
We ask that you make a point of using fractions around the house. Offer your child 1/8 of the dessert pie. Split a chore in “half.” Divide a jar of pennies.
Keep this newsletter as a review and to help with basics when your child comes home with practice worksheets. It covers some tips and tricks, all the way through multiplying, dividing, and converting fractions.
And, stay in touch! We are here to help!
The Third Grade Teachers

Fractions: A Part of Life

All Those Terms!

Numerator is on the top.
Denominator is on the bottom.
Whether you remember it by learning our Numerator and Denominator Song (Google it), or Denominator begins with D so it is down, or whether you remember the Nice Dog, those terms are the basis for thinking about and writing fractions. Have your child sing the song to you!

Third Grade

Volume 1, Issue 1

April 26, 2021

Inside this issue:

Calendar	2
Comparing Fractions	2
Adding & Subtracting	3
Contact Information	4
Mission Statement	4

September 2024

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1	2	3	4	5	6 Quiz	7
8	9	10	11	12	13 Quiz	14
15	16	17	18	19	20 Quiz	21
22	23	24	25	26	27 Quiz	28
29	30

Touch and Feel Fractions

Terminology and Writing Fractions

Order and Comparing

Adding Fractions

Comparing Fractions

If the numerators are the same, then look at the denominators. The smaller the denominator, the larger the fraction.
If the denominators are the same, then look at the numerators. The larger the numerator, the larger the fraction.
If all the numbers are different, use the butterfly method of cross multiplication.

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Fractions Are Coming!

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Volume 1, Issue 1

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Clardy Elementary

1428 N. 67th East Ave.
Donna, IA 50008

515-555-1217
info@clardyelem.edu

The mission of Clardy Elementary and the City of Donna Incorporated School District is to encourage students to prepare all students to become responsible, successful contributors to our diverse society. Clardy Elementary is a place where all students are encouraged to strive for excellence academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Our goal is to work in a partnership with our parents and community to create an environment where students are empowered to discover their strengths and to achieve their maximum potential. We provide a secure campus, ensuring the safety of all who utilize the school’s facilities for activities and education.

Dear Parents

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