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Boston College Elementary School

Chestnut Hill, MA

Technology Newsletter

NewNewsle

We will be using
Technology in our
Math Class!
Issue 1, February 2016
Newsletter Content
Pg. 1

Letter to Families

Pg. 2

Review of Math
Application: Motion Math
Fractions!

Pg. 3

Review of Math Website:


National Library of Virtual
Manipulatives

Dear Families,
This newsletter is being sent home to announce that
starting next week 3B will begin using technology in our math
class! In math we will begin a unit on fractions. To further
support the students learning of fractions we will be
incorporating two online programs: Motion Math:
Fractions! and The National Library of Virtual
Manipulatives. Programs such as these have been known to
enhance student learning as they combine math skills practice
with engaging and fun activities/games encouraging students
to have fun with math. Although we will be using these
programs quite a bit in class it would be beneficial if the
students to also got to use a computer at home to practice their
skills. I encourage you and your child to visit and explore these
programs and have fun learning math together! The rest of
this newsletter will be spent explaining these two programs
a little more in depth. If you have any questions or
concerns regarding the use of technology in our class
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Happy Exploring!

Ms.XXX

Questions or Comments?
If technology is not readily available to you and your child please feel
free to reach out and we will provide you with the necessary
resources.
Phone: 617-123-4567
Email: XXX@bc.edu

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issue, date

Motion Math: Fractions!


Motion Math: Fractions is mathematics program for students ages 8 and up. This App helps
children master placing fraction between 0 and 1 on a number line. The game not only display fractions in
the form, numerator over the denominator (1/2), but also as percents (50%), decimals (0.5) and pie charts
( ) based on the level of difficulty selected (beginner, medium, hard). Through this App students can
gain further knowledge on: fractions, percents, decimals, estimation and fraction comparison. Specifically,
this program addresses the Common Core standards 3.NF.2 and 3.NF.3 and can be tailored to any type of
learner through the selection of different levels.
Fractions is represented in the format of a game, which asks students to tilt
the Ipad to move the bouncing ball so that it will bounce approximately where the
fraction belongs on the number line. If bounced in the wrong spot the game assists
the child by hinting in which direction it actually should fall. After 5 correct answers
the students move on to the next level where the fractions become more advanced.

On more difficult levels students are asked to compare the fraction in the
bouncing ball to the fraction shown on the number line and decide if it

Common Core Standards can be found at: http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/3/NF/

Other Helpful Fraction Apps

Fractions by McGraw-Hill

Fractions by Brainingcamp

This app is based around the concept of


equivalent fractions. Students are asked to
match equivalent fractions through a solitairelike card game

This app includes narrated lessons, virtual


manipulatives, fraction activities and challenge
questions to support and expand your childs
understanding of fractions

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Motion Math:
Fractions! Cont.
is less than, equal to or more
than and accordingly bounce
the ball in the appropriate spot,
thus, practicing fraction
comparison.

Through the use of a game


format and reinforcement of
stars and level advancement
after a right answer,
Fractions compels students
to learn and is therefore an
effective tool.
Although this App will not
replace fraction lessons in the
classroom, it will be a useful
tool for further practicing and
reinforcing what is learned. It is
necessary for students to have a
strong grasp on fractions as
they are the foundation for
understanding other concepts
of rational numbers such as
decimals, ratios and
proportions, which will be
taught later on.
I have no doubt that with the
help of Motion Math:
Factors! students improve
their fraction skills while also
having tons of fun!

issue, date

National Library of Virtual


Manipulatives (NLVM)
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is a
collection of web-based applets, activities and tutorials illustrating
and explaining mathematical concepts throughout the K-12 math
curriculum. For the purpose of our math curriculum we will be
using applets under the Numbers & Operations category for
grades 3-5. Within this section there are a large range of math
activities however, for our unit, we will be focusing on the applets
regarding fractions.
One particular applet applicable to our math unit is called
Fraction-Equivalents. This applet uses visual and virtual
manipulatives to help students identify a common denominator
and produce equivalent fractions. In addition the applet illustrates
to students the relationships between equivalent fractions by
allowing them to alter the number of
equal pieces in the circles while
keeping the same proportion shaded.
I have included some examples of
questions asked in the activity.
These applets are great tools to
reinforce learning as they it provide
feedback for the students, giving
them positive feedback such as Yes!
You are correct as well as
constructive feedback reminding the
student to use
the interactive manipulative to aid
them. Overall, NLVM is a useful
website to use both at home and in the classroom as it has a
variety of activities to engage students in further learning across
multiple different math concepts. Moreover, this site is fantastic as
it provides concrete and visual models and well as symbolic
representations, which aid all types of learners as well as bridge
concrete concepts with more pictorial and conceptual
representations strengthening students understanding. I
encourage you to spend time with your child trying out the
activities on NLVM as they are both educational and fun!
NLVM Website:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g_2_t_1.htmlhttp://nlvm.u

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