Fractions Review

As you know, students took their math unit assessment on fractions this week.  This was probably the most difficult math test of the year, and overall I was very pleased with test scores.  The students are demonstrating that they are starting to make sense of what must seem rather counter-intuitive to them.  Still, because this is such an universally tough concept, and because we are ahead of where we need to be for math at this time, I want to take advantage of the time we have to do some crucial review.  I divided the class into two groups.  Those that completely nailed the fractions' concepts from the last unit and are ready to move onto to tougher concepts such as adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators are in Group A.  Those that would benefit from a review of the concepts already studied in order to cement their learning in this area are in Group B. I want to emphasize that both groups are comprised of brilliant mathematicians.  Still, the idea of fractions are relatively new to third graders this year and that makes the learning concepts tough.  I want to make sure that each child has a solid understanding of how fractions work so that they will be prepared for 4th grade map, hence the review for those who would benefit.  Each group will have its own homework.  Tonight Group A is doing 11-15.  Group B is homework free, but only for tonight.  Parents of children in both groups can help their children grow and succeed in this area by working with them to memorize their multiplication facts.  Seems strange, doesn't it?  Memorizing basic multiplication facts can help with fractions?  It's true, though.  Fractions are another way of describing division, and division is the reverse of multiplication.  If you haven't already, try to pick up some flash cards for your child so that (s)he can practice independently at home.