Introducing Fractions

Using this video in the Classroom: This video can be used to introduce or practice the concept of fractions. I would use this in a third grade classroom, later on in the school year, or in a fourth grade classroom, to make sure that students are familiar with the work and comfortable to move forward. In this video, the students are prompted to guess if certain fractions are equivalent to others. They are able to understand the idea with the visuals that the video provides. The examples use pizza pies to demonstrate how different fractions can equal to one another. Students can really benefit from the use of this video because it introduces the idea with something that they can actually understand, pizza slices. This also provides students with a method that they can use mentally when they are asked to complete a task with fractions. The video is very helpful with teaching students new methods when concerned about fractions and how to determine the equivalent values.

Rounding and Estimating

Using this video in the classroom: Like the Place value system, math students in the second and third grade can have great difficulty with estimating, specifically with rounding numbers to the tens or hundreds. With this video, I would introduce this concept to the young learners. Then, after seeing the video, I would demonstrate it on the board. The video is helpful to students because of the visuals that it provides. Students can relate the idea of estimating to the number line, like it was demonstrated in the video. The clip also provides several tips and steps that students can think back to, or even refer to in the video if they forget what to do. Without this video, students may have problems when first being introduced to the idea of rounding numbers. The video provides clear directions that students can follow and memorize.

Place Value

Using this video in the classroom: I imagine using this song for place values in a second or third grade classroom. I think that after introducing the ideas of place value to students during their math class, they would like some motivation. The place value system can be difficult to explain with just words alone. With tools like this video, students can see what each place value means. Using the counting cubes can be helpful, but it can also be tiresome. With this song, students will be more motivated, and interested in the topic. They can also memorize it better because of the rhythm and beat of the song and tune. Without the video, students may have a more difficult time in memorizing and comprehending what the place value system actually means.