This post contains affiliate links. This means that when you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission.
Fraction concepts are taken up a level in 5th grade and many of the topics are very abstract and difficult for students to understand. Multiplying fractions by a whole number doesn’t need to be one of these difficult concepts! By using the CRA (Concrete-Representative-Abstract) framework your students will link what they already know about multiplication to the multiplication of fractions and will be successful in no time at all!
Concrete Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number
Go ahead and get out your pattern blocks. They are the PERFECT fraction representation. Let the hexagon represent a whole and allow your students to figure out which blocks represent 1/3 (rhombus), 1/2 (trapezoid) and 1/6 (triangles). Once your students are all set with their blocks, they are ready to begin! Don’t have fraction blocks handy? Fraction circles would work just as well!
**This PICTURE is not a concrete model, but if you are creating this model out of fraction tiles, your students are working at the concrete level! **
Representative Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number
Once your students are able to model 4 x 1/3 you want them to link this understanding to a representative model such as repeated addition. You may begin by asking your students to write a repeated addition equation to represent 4 x 3. This is easy for your students! Now, ask them to use what they know about multiplication to write a repeated addition equation that represents 4 x 1/3.Abstract Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number
The concrete and representative steps of this activity allow your students to clearly understand what is going on when multiplying a fraction by a whole number. After your students have had a good deal of exposure at the concrete and representative level, give them a new equation such as 4 x 2/8 and ask your students what they *think* the product will be. You are looking for your students to make generalizations about their multiplication and fraction understandings and to be able to explain their thinking. After a student shares their thinking, ask all students to model with concrete materials or a repeated addition equation to confirm the product!
I have created a set of playing cards that includes multiplication equations, visual models, repeated addition and the resulting products. Your students can play so many traditional card games with this deck of cards – and I have included the instructions for 5 games to get you started! This resource is PERFECT for exploring the link between repeated addition and fraction multiplication. Click HERE to check it out!
Pin For Later:
