Math Manipulatives Lesson

Subject:​ Mathematics
Unit:​ Fractions
Title:​ Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Grade: ​6
Strand: ​Number Sense and Numeration
Time: ​60 minutes

Curriculum Expectations:
● represent,compare,and order fractional amounts with unlike denominators, including proper
and improper fractions and mixed numbers,using a variety of tools (e.g.,fraction
circles,Cuisenaire rods, drawings,number lines,calculators) and using standard fractional
notation

Instructional Procedure and Activities:

Open ​(2-5 minutes): Begin by reviewing the prerequisite skills that students should have to be able to
compare and order fractions (i.e. equivalent fractions). Do a few examples on the board as a class. Do
some examples of how to properly use the fraction circles, or allow leader student to demonstrate.

Body ​(35-45 minutes): We will start by comparing fractions with the same denominator (i.e. 73 v.s 74 ).
We will then move onto comparing two fractions with different denominators. Start by using the
fraction circles as a visual explanation and then move onto doing examples on the board. Explain that
in order to compare fractions, they must have the same denominator. Therefore, you need to find an
equivalent fraction where necessary (i.e. comparing 21 and 31 ; the common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6, so
1 3 1 2 3 2
2 becomes 6 and 3 becomes 6 ; 6 > 6 ). Students should be able to use their knowledge of
equivalent fractions and common multiples to do this. Once the fractions have the same denominator,
you can compare them to see which is bigger or smaller. The teacher will do a few examples on the
board with the class and then have students come up to the board to do an example (about 4 at a time).
Once students are more confident, we will move on to ordering a series of fractions. The process for
ordering fractions is the same as comparing fractions, where the fractions all must have the same
denominator. The teacher should do a few example on the board with the class and then again, have
individual students come up to the board to do an example.

Consolidation ​(10-15 minutes): Students will be placed into groups of 2-3 and be given a set of
fractions circles. They will get a chance to explore and become familiar with the circles. The teacher
may give prompts if students find themselves stuck or unsure (i.e. how many different ways can you
make one complete circle using all different pieces?)

Closing ​(3-5 minutes): Have each pair/ group write down 3 observations on a piece of paper about
what they discovered while playing around with the fraction circles. The teacher will collect their
written observations. Once they’ve handed in their paper, each student will be given the Comparing and
Ordering Fractions worksheet.

Prerequisite Concepts and Skills: Assessment and Evaluation:​ The Comparing and
● Equivalent fractions Ordering Fractions worksheet will be a way of
● Expressing fractions in improper and formatively assessing students to see if they have
 mixed form
● Common multiples/ factors
Accommodations/ Modifications
Accommodations
● Anchor charts with examples of
equivalent fractions.
● Access to a fraction wall if additional
manipulatives needed
● Positive peer grouping for students with
diverse skills in order to perform reviews
with the fraction circles.
● Provide individual quiet seating for
students who request it during their
activity.
Modifications
● Students with modified instruction to the
4th and 5th grade will have to
demonstrate their knowledge of
equivalent fractions using only questions
1-6 on their worksheet, as the application
portion is not yet required at this grade
level.
● They will receive additional practice of
expressing equivalent fractions using
Math playground games at their grade
level.
Required Materials/Resources:
● Fractions circles kits
● Comparing and Ordering Fractions
worksheet
● Anchor charts equivalent fractions
Reflection and Feedback:
a grasp on the concepts covered in class.
Considerations:
Differentiated instructions
● “Chunk” worksheet for students with
accommodation/ modified needs
● Have check in with students as they move
through their worksheets onto each
portion ( ex, 1-6, 6-9)
● Rotate during students exploration of
manipulatives - with specific interest on
students with collaborative skill support
● Students with memory anchor
requirements will be strategically sat by
these anchor charts
○ Additional anchor charts may be
brought to individual desks if
needed
Extended activities (Early Finishers work
ahead)
● Mathplayground -online free math games
● Demonstrate your equivalent fractions
using pie chart technology on excel or
google software.
● Allow students to choose between
practicing the skill if needed or extending
their knowledge with the additional
challenge.
References:
OTF. ​Teach Special Education.​ Accessed
March 2019
http://www.teachspeced.ca/
MathPlayground. ​Free Online Math Games.
Accessed March 2019
https://www.mathplayground.com/grade_4_ga
mes.html
Ontario. (2005). ​The Ontario curriculum,
Mathematica grades 1-8.​ Toronto: Ontario,
Ministry of Education.
 Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Using the fraction circles, answer the following questions questions in the space provided below.

1. Use the fraction circles to compare the following fractions. Circle the one in each pair

that is bigger.
1 1 3 4 3 5
a. 3
and 4
b. 5
and 6
c. 4
and 8

1 1
2. Using the fraction circles, put together two 3
pieces. Do the same thing with four 6

pieces. What do you notice about the two circles?

1 2 2 3
3. Order the following fractions from least to greatest: 2
, 3
, 8
, 5

4. How many different ways can you make a half? A third? A quarter? (Use the fraction

circles to explore).

2 1
5. If you add 4
and 6
how much of the circle is left over?

2
6. How many tenths are in 5
?

5 2
7. Tamar’s team won 8
of their soccer games. Lilly’s team won 4
of their soccer games.

Which team won more game?

8. Mr. Burton’s class is having a bake sale fundraiser. They decide to sell slices of various

pies. They have 10 pies in total and cut each pie into 8 equal slices. They sell 45 slices in

the first hour of the bake sale. How many pies did Mr. Burton’s class sell in the first

hour? Express your answer as both a mixed fraction and an improper fraction.

9. A survey was taken in the class of the top five sports that students enjoy. Volleyball
1 3
accounted for 4
of the votes and soccer accounted for 8
. The remaining sports of

basketball, swimming, and tennis were all equal in amount. What fraction of the class

enjoys the last three sports? What is the fraction for each sport?
 Comparing and Ordering Fractions (Answer Key)

Using the fraction circles, answer the following questions questions in the space provided below.

1. Use the fraction circles to compare the following fractions. Circle the one in each pair

that is bigger.
1 1 3 4 3 5
a. 3
and 4
b. 5
and 6
c. 4
and 8

1 1
2. Using the fraction circles, put together two 3
pieces. Do the same thing with four 6

pieces. What do you notice about the two circles? ​They are the same.

1 2 2 3 2 1 3 2
3. Order the following fractions from least to greatest: 2
, 3
, 8
, 5
> 8
, 2
, 5
, 3

4. How many different ways can you make a half? A third? A quarter? (Use the fraction
1 1 1
circles to explore). ​(Answers may vary; i.e. 2
= 4
+ 4
)

2 1 1
5. If you add 4
and 6
how much of the circle is left over? 3

2 1
6. How many tenths are in 5
? ​4 tenths (4 x 10
)

5 2
7. Tamar’s team won 8
of their soccer games. Lilly’s team won 4
of their soccer games.

Which team won more game? ​Tamar’s team ( 58 > 2

4
)
8. Mr. Burton’s class is having a bake sale fundraiser. They decide to sell slices of various

pies. They have 10 pies in total and cut each pie into 8 equal slices. They sell 45 slices in

the first hour of the bake sale. How many pies did Mr. Burton’s class sell in the first

hour? Express your answer as both a mixed fraction and an improper fraction. ​5 58 or 45
8

9. A survey was taken in the class of the top five sports that students enjoy. Volleyball
1 3
accounted for 4
of the votes and soccer accounted for 8
. The remaining sports of

basketball, swimming, and tennis were all equal in amount. What fraction of the class
3 1
enjoys the last three sports? What is the fraction for each sport? 8
; 8
for each sport.