To help students understand fractions deeply we need to address more than a simple understanding of part-whole relationships by expanding to:

• fractions as operators;
• fraction as values by which a quantity is enlarged or shrunk;
• mixed fractions;
• the use of fractions in algebra.

Students must have an understanding of fractions across multiple meanings in order to have flexibility when using fractions in context.

Provide a range of tasks which focus on the multiple meanings, including:

• that a fraction is a number or measure from 0;
• part-whole;
• part-part;
• quotient;
• operator;

and use a range of representations, including:

• number line models;
• area models, especially rectangles;
• set models.

Charalambous et al. (2010) found that “engaging students with multiple fraction constructs catalyzes learning, not only because each fraction construct captures part of the broader notion of fractions but also because moving from one construct to another reinforces understanding” (142).

For more information see Math for Teaching: Ways We Use Fractions (www.edugains.ca).

The knowledge of benchmark fractions supports students in estimating sums and differences (Johanning, 2011). Students should be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of the operations as well as the different effects that operations have on numbers.

Engage students in activities which require them to develop and apply an understanding of benchmarks, including:

• unit fractions counting games;
• partitioning number lines and area models into unit fractions;
• composing and decomposing fractions using benchmark fractions.

Johanning (2011) states that “providing simple contextual problems that require estimation and that can be solved using models or diagrams will encourage the use of number sense when operating with fractions” (100; also see Cramer, Monson, Whitney, Leavitt, & Wyberg. 2010, Van de Walle, Karp, & Bay-Williams, 2010).

Students engaged in discussing and reasoning about fractions develop a deeper understanding of fractions concepts being examined.

Purposefully support and engage students through:

• Math Talk Learning Communities;
• flexible grouping strategies;
• encouraging students to represent their mathematics in multiple ways;
• using Math Congress to share student thinking.

The intentional creation of a math talk learning community allows students to reflect upon their thinking and determine the reasonableness of an answer, which involves the evaluation of reasonableness of the algorithm used (Johanning, 2011). Math-talk guidelines (Bruce, 2007) can help students agree with reason, disagree with reason, build-on one another’s ideas, and make connections between math ideas.