How to Teach Multiplying Fractions with Pattern Blocks | 4.NF.4, 5.NF.4, 5.NF.6

If you're not quite sure how to teach multiplying fractions in 4th or 5th grade, this video is for you! You'll learn the progression we should be guiding students through in understanding fraction multiplication and you'll see how I make this concept hands-on and engaging for students using pattern blocks! This activity is a game-changer for teaching multiplying fractions in a way that makes sure students actually understand it!

Links mentioned in the video...

Let's connect, math friend!

Are you a member of Mix and Math 360° yet?

Before you go, don't forget to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss any future videos!

[tarazziamaith]

A lot of people struggle with fractions, but these methods are great. Thanks for sharing!

[almahyseni-bw]

I don't have a lot of experience using pattern block for teaching fractions. This is wonderful resource and i am going to implement it right away in my class. Thank you so much!

[vanessacantu]

Pattern blocks are a very helpful tool to learn about fractions!

[kellyniswonger]

Wow! This is a game changer. I have never used pattern blocks like this! Thank you for posting this mini lesson!

[karinvitale]

I just wrapped up a long-term sub job in 4th last week and I am OBSESSED with your materials now 🤯 makes me want to stay intermediate grades, lol.

[kimcrayne]

This was very helpful and I am excited to share with the kids.

[sherriklennert]

Wish I had !known of this BEFORE I taught my 5th graders fractions this year! You can bet I will be back next year. Thank you so very much for this video

[jeffsellers]

Love the video/examples--as a math teacher, I get it. However, I'm guessing there was A LOT of frontload student prep with pattern blocks before 2/3 x 1/2? At the 7:53 mark, I feel most of my students would see it 3/3 or 1 whole, despite only starting with half and then at the 8:00 mark most students would think the final answer to be 2/3 because they visually see 2 out of 3 boxes filled. Thoughts/recommendations on using pattern blocks with 6th graders who have already worked with fractions some?

[katiemclaneak]

This is awesome! Looking forward to one about dividing fractions. Local school just got rid of lots of math pattern blocks and I am the recipient! Yeah!

[laurenbiggie]

I've always used fraction tiles, but I like the idea of using patterns blocks as well. Thanks for the ideas!

[lynneyulish]

Thanks! I'm a middle school teacher and am also teaching 5th grade this year. This is really helpful!

[VictorCastillo]

Fractions can be tricky. I like this approach.

[karinabarrios]

pattern blocks is an awesome way for kids to understand fractions

[wallisbond]

Perfect timing. I'm starting 5th grade fractions this week with a group that really struggled with virtual.these past two years. Got my tic tac toe boards ready for kickoff of the unit and my More than half review game ready to give them some initial success. Needed this primer for keeping the end in mind. Thank you for always inspiring me. PS I sent you a FB dm if you ever have time to read it!💕

[lisahudson]

Thank you for the clear directions in your video. I teach 7th remediation and I am almost certain that my students have never been exposed to using manipulatives when multiplying fractions. I will be able to use this in small groups!

[maryashley]

Thank you! This will help me explain multiplying fractions to my students!

[marinabradshaw]

Information on joining Mix and Math please.

[portreemathstutor]

When I teach children to multiply fractions the first question I show them is
A half of a half.
Children know that a half of a half is a quarter and they know "of" means "times" so
A half times a half is a quarter.
I say "If you ever forget what the rules for multiplying are just think, "A half times a half is a quarter. " and it will come back to you.
The point of teaching maths is to make it easier for the children to understand and to make it easier to remember.

[angiecornejo]

The video is great since she uses manipulatives and it gives you a clear understanding. But in high school we don't use much of manipulatives. They just use calculators.

[lauracarter]

Why did you not simplify the answer of 2/6?