In this blog post I will go over the third grade common core math standards 3.NF.2 & 3.NF.3 and provide you with activities you can use with your students. These activities also work well for students who need remediation in 4th and 5th grade.
Number & Operations – Fractions
// 3.NF.2
- I can partition a number line into halves, thirds, fourths, or sixths.
- I can represent fractions on a number line.
// 3.NF.3
- I can use models, number lines, and words to explain how fractions are equivalent.
- I can compare fractions by reasoning about their size.
- I can show whole numbers as fractions.
1. Use Fraction Bars
Students tend to understand area models well. They can take a rectangle and partition it into thirds, fourths, and so on. They can use fraction bars to compare and explain why one-half is greater than one-fourth.
So, let’s use what students are comfortable with to introduce fractions a number line.
In the above activity, students will shade a bar diagram to represent a fraction. They then use the bar diagram to help them partition the number line. Finally, they plot the fraction.
You can choose to use this printable during small groups. There are three versions of this printable, so you can easily differentiate as needed.
- The first version has the fractions listed on the page.
- The second version has a spot for students to write a fraction.
- The third version is the most challenging, because students need to partition the number line and plot the fraction.
2. Use a Math Sort
Students enjoy working on math sorts. It’s always a win when you can teach a challenging topic in a fun way. This activity not only gets students cutting/pasting, but it also encourages students to explain their thinking.
- Step 1: Cut the cards
- Step 2: Find the 4 fractions
- Step 3: Find the bar model that matches the fraction
- Step 4: Find the number line model that matches the fraction & bar model
- Step 5: Explain how the three cards are related
- Step 6: Glue
3. Get Students Moving!
Organize your students into groups and have them create a large number line model. They can use chart paper, tape, string or anything else you may have in your classroom.
The purpose is to get students moving and creating! I have typed up 5 different activity pages you can use with your students. They include a recording spot, so students can record what their number line looks like.
- Group students
- Each group receives an activity page
- Students work together to draw and partition the number line
- Students plot the fractions
- Students record their number line on the paper provided
- Students present their number lines to the class
4. Cut & Paste – Mixed Numbers Practice Page
Fractions greater than one can be confusing when modeled on a number line. I follow the following steps:
- Count the equal parts until you get to the first whole (one).
- Label what fraction is equivalent to one. For example: 2/2 = 1
- Continue counting the equal parts. For example: 3/2
Now let’s write the fraction greater than one as a mixed number.
- Highlight the last whole number you pass. For example: 1
- Count how many equal parts you have to jump from the whole number to get to the fraction greater than one. For example: 1/2
- Write the mixed number: 1 1/2
The above printable is included in the free download (at the end of this post). I also include a version that is perfect to use for during your guided math groups. The video below shows an example of how you can review this skill with struggling students.
5. Dodecahedron Project
I start by showing my students what the final project looks like. They are immediately super interested and ready to get to work. It’s always a win when you can get students excited about a difficult topic.
- Have students complete the pages with pencil first
- Check the problems
- Allow students time to color
- Cut the circles
- Staple the circles together to form a dodecahedron
Below is an example of how one teacher displayed the final projects.
6. Interactive, Digital Math Centers
Engage students with these fun, interactive math centers. There are 2 practice files per standard. You could..
- Assign via Google Classroom
- Students can complete during math centers (desktops or iPads)
- Complete whole-group using an interactive white board
View the digital resources
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Denise Robinson
As a new to the math curriculum teacher this year, I TOTALLY appreciate your insight as well as your clear, concise activities for students to help them really understand numbers and math!!!!!
Mrs. Santillana
Thank you so much 🙂 I plan to continue digging deep into each math standard for grades 3-5!
Megan
Love all these resources.
Danielle
Hi! I sent for these and they are not in my email. I would love to give them a try!
Leah
Hi. I can’t seem to download the free printables of the 6 activities to practice fractions on a number line. I already subscribed and confirmed the subscription.
Leah
I just noticed where to download the printables. Sorry and thank you for the free printables.
Judy
Can you clue me in? I can’t find it. I filled out the subscription info and the site keeps sending me back to the state and school. (Even tho’ I already spent ten minutes answering questions about the school….)
Tamar Benjamin
Hi! This is AMAZING but I can’t seem to download it!
thank you!
Beth Finkelstein
These fraction resources look great..unfortunately they are not downloading. Is there another way to access them?
Nilda Cabrera
I would love to try these resources in my classroom but am unable to download them. I have subscribed several times. Is there another way to download them?
Mrs. Santillana
You will receive an email that says subscribe & download your resource. Check your spam folder. You can also email me directly and i’ll send them to you.
Debbie
I tried as well and wouldn’t let me download.
Mrs. Santillana
Hey, the resource will be emailed to you. It may be in your spam or promotions folder.
steph
Please could you email them to me I am struggling to download them.
deidre obryant
Good morning. I’m unable to download.
Debby
Would love to be able to download the resources. Did anyone figure it out?
Diane Mikle
THANK YOU! I have been looking all night for a resource JUST like this to teach fractions greater than one to my third graders. These activities look fantastic and I can’t wait to try them out with my kiddos. Thank you again!
Stefanni
I love this and would love to download it, but I have to subscribe to get it and I already subscribe to your newsletters. How can I get these fraction resources?
Kim Vickrey
Awesome resources to utilize in the classroom. So excited to try these ideas out.
Dawna Hartt
I subscribed several times, but did not recieve an email. Would love to try these resources.
Patricia Bombardier
I successfully subscribed, but could not download anything. It said the connection timed out.
Mrs. Santillana
Hey, I just updated everything. Please try again.
Jessica Benser
I would like to download these materials. How do i get them?
Mrs. Santillana
I’ve fixed the problem. Please try again 🙂
Therese
Would love to download resource!
Mrs. Santillana
Please try again 🙂
Jenifer
Awesome resources!!
Mrs. Santillana
Thank you!
Katy Wagner
These sound wonderful. Is this how I get them?
Barbara Santoro
I would love the free fraction resources
Thank you
Nancy King
Thanks.
Mrs. Santillana
You’re welcome!
Tonya Shively
I would love to try out your fraction activities.
Wendy McDaniel
I am unable to download the free resources and have not received the email with a password to access other resources.
Mrs. Santillana
Hey, make sure you are signing up with a personal email address (not school). Also, check your spam folder.
Jessica Fountain
I have tried to subscribe multiple times and I haven’t received an email!
Jessica
Never mind, I found it under the ‘promotions’ tab in gmail!
Mrs. Santillana
Thank you for letting me know. I’ve had other teachers with the same issue, so now I’ll point them in this direction.
Gina Jacques
Great ideas to implement with my fraction lessons./
Mrs. Santillana
Thank you!
Tameco Wilson
These ideas are awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Rachael pulizzi
I love This!
Sue
Thanks for such a great resource. I had no problem downloading and plan to begin using on Monday!
Mrs. Santillana
Excellent! Enjoy 🙂
denise alexander
thankyou for the amazing resource
Ethel
i would love the resource looks great
Mrs. Santillana
Hi! Fill our the form to grab the freebies. You’ll get an email that has button you click to download these files. Be sure to use a personal emails so it doesn’t get sent to your spam folder.
Cesar
Quisiera los amterisles
Johnathan Williams
How do I download these resources?
Mrs. Santillana
Hi! You have to fill out the form that says subscribe to the newsletter. You’ll get an email that has button you click to download these files. Be sure to use a personal emails so it doesn’t get sent to your spam folder.
Marna
Hello,
Do you give permission to share these activities out for distance learners for an entire grade level?
Mrs. Santillana
The free resources can be used for an entire grade level. Paid resources need the additional licenses.
Nicole Quiring
I have entered my email 3 times but have not received an email. I’d love to download the numberline activity.
Michelle Emmons
These are great! Thank you for posting them!
nancy arroyo
I have not been able to find the free number lines printable.
Lori H
These resources look great! I tried several times to put my email in, but am not getting a confirmation. I’d really love to download these activities
Michele Walden
I would like a copy of these awesome activities. Please send them to me to use.
Thank you,
Yvonne Buchanan-Coutts
These resources are amazing – would you be able to send me a copy of them please?
Samantha Pereira
Currently teaching fractions – want to make it more fun! Love the look of these resources
Jennifer Plourde
Wow!
Soyraya
I would love these resources. They are amazing!
Chaikwa
Love the activity. May I please have the worksheet emailed to me. Thank you in advance.
Karen Dixon
Hello, new teacher here! I am trying to subscribe and get the free resources, but nothing is working. Please help!
Laura
Thank you! This looks perfect for my 3rd grade friends.
Iris
Would love a copy of these activities please.
cindy vickers
Great for Third grade.
Toni
Hi, I am looking your Fractions on a Number line using fraction bars. I went onto your TPT store and couldn’t find it. I would really appreciate a copy or link to where I can purchase it. 🙂
Lashawn
Thank you! But how do I get the “Get Up and Move” sheets?
Krista
I would love access to the Get Students Moving fractions on a number line activity. I love this idea! Could you send me a link to the differentiated activity pages you made for each group? Or could I purchase on Teachers Pay Teachers? I looked but couldn’t find them anywhere. Thank you so much!
nubia
hola, quisiera los ejercicios por favor
LUPITA
GRACIAS POR LOS EJERCICIOS. SON MUY CREATIVOS.
Dana
How do you find he “get up and move fractions on a number line” activity?
Pooja M
Loved all the resources ! 🙂