4 Engaging Ways to Teach Fractions as the Sum of Unit Fractions

Understanding fractions can be tricky for students, but breaking them down into unit fractions makes them much more approachable. Unit fractions, where the numerator is always 1, help students grasp the idea that fractions are composed of smaller parts. Here are three engaging ways to teach fractions as the sum of unit fractions in your classroom!

1. Pizza Slice Demonstration

Nothing grabs students’ attention quite like food! For this activity, create a cardboard pizza divided into 8 equal slices, each labeled as 1/8. Start with a whole pizza, then remove four slices and hand them to four students. Ask them to hold their pieces up as the class observes.

Now, guide the students through the thought process:

• “Each of these slices represents 1/8 of the whole pizza.”

• “How many slices are there?” (Students will count and say four.)

• “So we can write this fraction as: 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 = 4/8.”

This concrete representation helps students visualize how fractions are built from unit fractions.

2. Fraction Train with Connecting Cubes

Use linking cubes or snap cubes to create a hands-on fraction model. Assign each cube a unit fraction, such as 1/6. Give students six individual cubes and have them connect them together to form a “whole.” Then, ask them to break off four cubes and write the sum:

• “Each cube represents 1/6 of the whole.”

• “If we take four cubes, how can we represent this as a sum?”

• “1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 = 4/6.”

This activity is great for kinesthetic learners and reinforces how fractions are built from unit fractions.

3. Number Line Hop

Create a large number line from 0 to 1 on the floor using masking tape. Mark unit fractions such as 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, etc. Call on a student to “hop” on the number line, moving one step at a time by 1/5 until they reach 4/5. Afterward, discuss:

• “How did you get to 4/5?”

• “What fraction did you step on first?”

• “Can we write this as a sum? 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 + 1/5 = 4/5.”

This movement-based activity helps students make connections between fractions and number lines.

4. Taking it Further

Once students understand how fractions are sums of unit fractions, reinforce their learning with this Unit Fractions Practice Worksheet! This resource is perfect for independent practice, partner work, small groups, or even a quick check for understanding. Check out Sum of Unit Fractions to give your students extra practice with unit fractions!

By using concrete materials, hands-on activities, and movement, students can better grasp the concept of unit fractions and their sums. Which of these activities will you try first?

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Test Prep That Works: Engaging Station Rotations for Review

As testing season approaches, keeping students engaged while reviewing important material can be a challenge. Station rotations provide an interactive and effective way to review, allowing students to move, collaborate, and reinforce their knowledge in a structured setting.

How to Set Up Your Test Prep Stations

To get started, divide your class into small groups and create different review stations. Each station should focus on a key skill. Here are some effective station ideas:

1. Task Card Station

Use task cards with multiple-choice or open-ended questions related to a targeted skill. Students can answer individually or discuss in pairs before checking their responses.

2. Partner Quiz Station

At this station, students take turns quizzing each other with prepared review questions. This peer-to-peer interaction encourages discussion and reinforces understanding.

3. Game-Based Station

Incorporate a fun review game where students must answer questions correctly to advance. Games make learning enjoyable and encourage teamwork.

4. Writing/Reflection Station

Provide prompts related to a review skill such as reading comprehension or math problem-solving. Students can explain their thinking, summarize concepts, or practice constructed responses.

5. Teacher-Led Station

This is an opportunity for small-group instruction. Focus on reviewing difficult concepts, answering questions, and providing additional support where needed.

Using station rotations for test prep transforms the process into an engaging and productive experience. Students stay actively involved, gain confidence, and approach testing with a positive mindset. Try it in your classroom and watch your students thrive!

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5 Meaningful + Easy Ways to Appreciate Custodians at School

Custodians are the unsung heroes of every school, ensuring that classrooms, hallways, and common areas remain clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff. Taking time to show appreciation can make a big difference in their day!

1. Handwritten Thank-You Notes

A heartfelt note can go a long way in making custodians feel valued. Have students write personal thank-you notes expressing their gratitude for the hard work custodians do every day.

2. Custodian Appreciation Bulletin Board

Dedicate a hall bulletin board to celebrating custodians. Encourage students and teachers to contribute messages, drawings, or even photos of custodians in action!

3. Surprise Treats or Snacks

A simple yet thoughtful way to show appreciation is by providing snacks or treats for the custodial staff. Organize a snack basket in the staff lounge or arrange for a small celebration with coffee and pastries.

4. Classroom Cleanup Challenge

Encourage students to take ownership of their learning space by keeping it clean. You can turn it into a fun challenge where students work together to tidy up before the end of the day.

5. Public Recognition

Make sure custodians receive the recognition they deserve by giving them a shoutout during morning announcements, a school assembly, or in the school newsletter.

Showing appreciation for custodians doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple thank-you can mean the world to someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes. Try one of these ideas today and make a custodian’s day a little brighter!

With faith and friendship,

Handling Mid-Year Motivation Slumps in 4th Grade

The holiday magic has faded, and spring break feels miles away. How can we keep students motivated during this challenging stretch? Check out a few ideas to re-energize your classroom today! 

1. Shake Up the Routine

• Why it works: Novelty can spark interest and engagement.

• Ideas:

• Rearrange seating arrangements for a fresh perspective.

• Introduce a new morning routine or daily challenge.

• Try theme days like "Mystery Monday" or "Trivia Tuesday."

2. Revisit Classroom Goals

• Why it works: Students feel ownership when they track their progress.

• Ideas:

  • Reflect on goals set earlier in the year.

  • Celebrate milestones along the way.

  • Collaboratively set new, short-term goals for the next quarter.

3. Incorporate Movement and Brain Breaks

• Why it works: Physical activity boosts focus and morale.

• Ideas:

• Active learning games like quiz-quiz-trade.

• Quick stretch or yoga breaks between lessons.

• Use apps or videos for guided movement breaks (e.g., GoNoodle).

4. Make Lessons Hands-On and Interactive

• Why it works: Engaging activities bring subjects to life.

• Ideas:

• Use manipulatives in math to explore fractions or geometry.

• Incorporate project-based learning, like a group history project.

• Experiment with science labs or engineering challenges.

5. Bring in Seasonal Fun

• Why it works: Seasonal themes add excitement and relevance.

• Ideas:

• Winter writing prompts

• Valentine’s Day kindness challenges or math activities

• Art projects that tie into current lessons

6. Foster Student Choice

• Why it works: Giving students autonomy increases engagement.

• Ideas:

• Let students vote on a class reward or activity.

• Offer choice boards for assignments or projects.

• Create reading menus with diverse genres and themes.

7. Focus on Positivity and Connection

• Why it works: A supportive classroom environment boosts morale.

• Ideas:

• Begin each day with a gratitude or compliment circle.

• Plan team-building activities, like cooperative problem-solving games.

• Write personal notes of encouragement to each student.

Enjoy these mid-year days with your students and remember...Spring is right around the corner!

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Mastering Multiplication Facts with Multiples: A Practical Classroom Strategy

Multiplication facts are foundational to many math concepts, yet they often challenge students. To ease the learning curve and create meaningful connections, teaching multiples is an excellent strategy. By focusing on patterns and relationships, students can better understand multiplication as a concept and memorize their facts more effectively. Let’s explore why multiples work and how you can incorporate them into your teaching.

Why Focus on Multiples?

Multiples are the products of a number multiplied by whole numbers (e.g., the multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, and so on). By working with multiples, students begin to see multiplication as a series of additions or a pattern that repeats predictably. This method is highly effective because:

It emphasizes patterns: Multiples reveal consistent, repeating structures that make learning multiplication more intuitive.

It connects concepts: Students see multiplication as a form of skip counting, making it easier to grasp.

It builds fluency: Regular practice with multiples helps students recall facts faster.

Activities to Teach Multiples and Multiplication Facts

Here are some practical and engaging activities for your classroom:

1. Skip Counting Chains

• What to do: Provide a visual by having students create paper chains with each link representing a multiple of a number. For example, a "3 chain" might include links labeled 3, 6, 9, 12, etc.

• Why it works: This hands-on activity reinforces the idea that multiplication involves repeated addition.

2. Multiples Hopscotch

• What to do: Create a hopscotch board where each square represents a multiple of a target number. For example, for the number 5, the squares might read 5, 10, 15, etc. Students hop through the board while reciting the multiples aloud.

• Why it works: Movement activates kinesthetic learning, making it easier for students to memorize facts.

3. Multiples on a Number Line

• What to do: Draw a large number line on the board. Have students place magnets or sticky notes at the multiples of a chosen number.

• Why it works: This visual strategy demonstrates spacing and helps students see how multiples fit into a sequence.

Integrating Multiples into Daily Practice

Repetition is the key to mastery, so make practice a regular part of your routine. Incorporate these strategies into math centers, warm-up activities, or brain breaks. For example:

• Morning Multiples: Begin the day by skip-counting aloud as a class.

• Multiples Challenge: Give students a number and see how many multiples they can write in 60 seconds.

• Exit Tickets: Before leaving, ask students for the next multiple of a number you call out.

• Learning Station Games and Activities such as

Using multiples to reinforce multiplication facts goes beyond memorization—students build connections, spot patterns, and truly understand the concept of multiplication. Whether through games, visuals, or movement, multiples make math meaningful and fun.

Looking for more multiplication fact ideas? Check out these ideas:

4 More Fun and Easy Ways to Practice Multiplication Facts

With faith and friendship,

3 Engaging Election Day Activities

Election Day provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce young students to the democratic process in a way that’s both fun and educational. Here are three hands-on activities that make Election Day meaningful for elementary students, helping them develop skills in decision-making, creativity, and respectful communication.

1. Get Creative with Campaign Posters

Campaign posters are a perfect way to bring out students’ creative sides and teach them about persuasive language and visual design. For elementary students, creating a campaign poster for something they care about is a fun, low-stakes way to introduce the concept of campaigning.

Pick a Fun Cause: Let students choose causes that matter to them—like “Extra Recess Fridays,” “Class Pajama Day,” or “Reading Corner Fridays.” These lighthearted ideas keep students focused and engaged without any real-world pressures.

Discuss Campaign Strategies: Teach students about campaign slogans and persuasive language. Have them brainstorm catchy slogans, use bright colors, and incorporate images that best represent their chosen cause.

Display Posters Around the Classroom: Once finished, display the posters in the classroom or hallway for everyone to see. You can even invite other classes to visit and “vote” for their favorite poster!

This activity helps students develop skills in persuasive writing and public speaking, as well as encouraging creativity. They learn how a campaign can visually and verbally communicate important ideas to an audience.

2. Host a Classroom Debate on a Fun Topic

Introducing students to respectful debate is a great way to help them understand different perspectives. A classroom debate on a simple, relatable topic allows students to practice making an argument and listening to others.

Choose a Topic: Pick a lighthearted topic that’s easy to divide opinions on, such as "Is it better to have summer break or winter break?" "Should school be held 5-days/week or 4-days/week?" These questions are fun and engaging while being simple enough for students to form clear arguments.

Divide into Groups: Split the class into two groups, one representing each side of the issue. Give each group a chance to brainstorm their reasons and come up with a few talking points to support their side.

Moderate the Debate: Emphasize the importance of respectful listening and taking turns. Encourage students to use phrases like “I agree because…” or “I understand your point, but…” to practice polite debate skills.

This activity not only teaches students about making a case for their beliefs but also helps them understand that it’s okay to disagree and see things from different perspectives. It builds skills in critical thinking, communication, and respectful discussion.

3. Host a Mock Election

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to help students understand voting is by creating a mock election in the classroom. This activity allows them to experience firsthand how voting works and see their choices reflected in real results. Here’s how to set up a successful mock election:

Select a Topic: Choose a school-related topic that students feel invested in, like their favorite lunch menu item, an extra classroom privilege, or a class mascot. You could also hold a mock election for a fictional candidate or a book character that the class loves. This keeps it lighthearted and avoids potential divisive topics.

Create Ballots: Provide each student with a ballot, either handmade or printed, with options to choose from. You might also consider adding a space for a write-in choice if that’s feasible for your topic.

Designate Voting Stations: Setting up a small voting booth adds to the experience. It can be as simple as a privacy folder on a desk where students take turns voting. Afterward, assign a few students as vote counters (or "poll workers") and calculate the results together as a class.

This mock election teaches students the basics of casting a ballot, counting votes, and seeing how each individual choice impacts the outcome. It also encourages them to consider why they chose one option over another, laying a foundation for thoughtful decision-making.

Feeling extra brave? Try a Mock Election of the 2024 Presidential Election! Grab the ballots and box decorations here:

These Election Day activities encourage young students to explore the ideas of choice, representation, and respectful debate in a way that’s relatable and fun. By hosting a mock election, creating campaign posters, and participating in a debate, students gain a foundational understanding of democratic principles in an interactive and age-appropriate way. This exposure at a young age lays the groundwork for civic engagement and critical thinking that will serve them well as they grow.

With faith and friendship,

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate the 50th Day of School in Your Elementary Classroom

The 50th day of school is a great opportunity to celebrate how far your students have come since the beginning of the year! It’s a perfect time for some themed activities that blend fun and learning. Whether you’re counting down the days or just looking for a reason to celebrate, here are six engaging ideas to make the 50th day of school special for your elementary students.

1. 50s Day Dress-Up Party

Take a step back in time and have a 1950s-themed dress-up day! Encourage students to come to school dressed in 50s-style outfits, like poodle skirts, leather jackets, or rolled-up jeans. To set the scene, play some classic rock 'n' roll music in the background as students arrive. You can even incorporate a dance-off to 50s tunes or teach a simple sock hop dance. This not only adds fun to the day but also provides a mini history lesson on the decade!

Classroom Tip: Set up a “photo booth” with 50s-themed props (record cutouts, glasses, scarves, etc.) and take pictures of students dressed up in their retro gear

2. "50 Things We’re Thankful For" Activity

Help students reflect on the school year so far by creating a class list of “50 Things We’re Thankful For.” Divide students into small groups, and have each group brainstorm 10 things they are grateful for about their class, school, or learning experiences. Combine the lists into one big display on a bulletin board. This is a fantastic way to incorporate gratitude into your day and build classroom community.

3. Math Fun with the Number 50

Use the day as an opportunity to integrate math activities that revolve around the number 50. You can create stations where students complete tasks related to the number:

• Counting Activities: Have students count 50 items like blocks, beads, or stickers.
• Measuring 50: Have students measure objects to see if they are longer or shorter than 50 inches or 50 centimeters.
• Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s: Practice skip counting to reach 50.

Classroom Tip: Create a math scavenger hunt where students have to find objects in the classroom that add up to a total of 50 (for example, find three objects that weigh a total of 50 ounces.)

4. 50th Day Writing Prompts

Incorporate some writing activities with a "50" theme. Here are a few ideas to get your students’ creative juices flowing:

• "If I Had $50…": Have students write about what they would buy or how they would use the money.
• "50 Years in the Future": Ask students to imagine what life might be like 50 years from now and describe their predictions.
• "50 Reasons I Love School": Students can work individually or in small groups to come up with 50 reasons why they enjoy school.

Extension Activity: Turn these writing assignments into a classroom book or display for parents to see during conferences.

5. 50-Minute Challenge Stations

Set up multiple stations around the classroom, and give students exactly 50 minutes to complete as many activities as they can. Each station should feature a different subject or skill, such as:

• Reading Station: Read for 5 minutes and write down 5 things you learned.
• STEM Station: Build a structure using 50 blocks or 50 pieces of LEGO.
• Art Station: Create a picture with 50 dots or 50 different lines.
• PE Station: Do 50 jumping jacks, or see how many times you can jump rope in 50 seconds.

Classroom Tip: After the 50 minutes are up, gather the class together and let students share their favorite station or accomplishment during the challenge.

6. All About the 50's Booklet

Your students will love exploring the sights and trends of the 1950s with this printable booklet:

Celebrating the 50th day of school is a fantastic way to break up the routine and create a memorable experience for your students. Whether you’re focusing on math, writing, history, or simply having fun, these activities will make the day feel special and keep students engaged in learning. Enjoy your 50th Day celebration, and let the countdown to 100 begin!

With faith and friendship,