Between Zero & One

After a really great discussion with Dianne, I am back on track with everything. She gave me some examples of problems to use with the class, and although they solved the first two really quickly, it did become more challenging, and the children were able to really consolidate the new problem solving strategies as tasks became harder. The problems I had devised for them were taking too long to solve, and were more suitable for a higher level. But that's me... push them to the limit. Haha just kidding!
We also tried out the dotty dice game that was shown to us at staff meeting. The class really enjoyed it, and there was a lot of discussion surrounding improper fractions during the game. Then we adapted it. We tried out a number line with only zero to one, and the smaller number had to be the numerator, so no improper fractions. This worked really well too, and afterwards we talked about what worked well and what could be changed. The feedback I received was interesting. This is what they said...

• it is fun 
• we can compare the fractions
• we are putting them in order
• we can change improper fractions
• it is easy to play

Then a suggestion to try 3 dice, one as a whole number, the other two as a fraction, was given. They played this for what felt like ages. Funny thing is that when we talked about it, they said it wasn't challenging and that it was too easy to win!
So I was surprised when I asked them the following day what comes between zero and one, and I had responses like, "nothing" "9" and "ten numbers." We will get there!

4 in the group, I have 2 more in my class now, but I won't be changing my problem solving groups around. Dianne said it was OK to stay as they are. It works!

Too hard? They did get there eventually.

Ruby explains her strategy, but when you take out 1/32 and 1/32 from 32 jellybeans, the remaining fractions are not out of 30, it is still 1/4 of the total amount that is blue, and so on. This confusion made me realise how difficult my questions were for them!

And the best way to problem solve is to hang over the fitness ball!