Slice Fractions is an engaging, free, and ad-free math game tailored for elementary students, accessible via PlayMath.org. Rather than rote memorization of rules or tedious worksheets, children embark on a journey with a woolly mammoth, navigating icy puzzles by slicing through obstacles and popping bubbles, all while exploring the dynamic world of fractions. Designed for students in grades 2 through 6, the game aids in visualizing fractions through shape partitioning, size comparison, and grasping parts of a whole. With no timers, no explicit instructions, and an absence of pressure, students engage in learning through exploration, trial, and collaborative discussions, transforming math into an adventure rather than a chore.
Kristen Acosta, a seasoned math educator from West Covina, California, has dedicated nearly thirty years to helping students and teachers uncover the innovative, engaging, and purposeful aspects of math. She recognizes that fractions often pose significant challenges for elementary learners, who frequently struggle to visualize what numbers like ⅓ or ¼ truly represent.
Kristen was eager to evaluate Slice Fractions, as it offers students a means to visually comprehend fractions, compare them, and cultivate genuine understanding through playful interaction. Her classroom experiences demonstrate that when students engage with Slice Fractions, they are not merely practicing math; they are conversing, collaborating, and genuinely excited about learning.
For which grade levels do you think Slice Fractions is best suited? Why?
Slice Fractions is ideally suited for elementary grades, particularly 2nd through 6th. Introducing Slice Fractions in 2nd grade can help students visualize the concepts related to fractions. The game is versatile enough to be used in whole-group instruction, small-group settings, enrichment programs, or intervention scenarios. Students can engage with the game independently or in pairs.
Does the game align with any specific standards or curriculum guidelines?
Slice Fractions corresponds with essential fraction concepts outlined in elementary math standards:
- 2nd Grade: Partitioning circles and rectangles into equal shares, employing terms such as halves, thirds, and fourths.
- 3rd Grade: Understanding fractions as parts of a whole and dividing shapes into equal parts.
- 4th Grade: Comparing and ordering fractions with varying numerators and denominators.
How did you use Slice Fractions in your classroom?
Students often find ordering fractions challenging. They may struggle to visualize that ⅓ is greater than ¼; due to the denominator, they might assume the opposite. I have employed clothesline math to assist with ordering fractions through various representations, yet students still encounter difficulties without a clear mental image. One segment of Slice Fractions tasks students with discerning between ⅓ and ¼, allowing them to visually grasp the distinction between these fractions.
How did your students react to the games on PlayMath.org?
One of the aspects I appreciated about our time spent playing games on PlayMath.org was the way my class began to explore and discuss what other mathematical concepts could be gamified. They brainstormed ideas for gamifying decimal learning, which was truly exciting!
A remarkable feature of the Slice Fractions game is that my students needed ample time to experiment and explore all its components. Completing a level sparked engaging discussions about the best strategies to employ. Once they figured out the mechanics, my students advanced through the levels, sharing insights about their approaches. Some memorable comments included:
- “Dude, you have to pop the bubbles!”
- “Who’s the elephant?”
- “No, I think that’s a woolly mammoth.”
- “What should we name him?”
These comments may not seem educational at first glance, but here’s the key: My class enjoyed the game so much that they eagerly asked when we could play again. It evolved into a whole-class event, with everyone participating and discussing solutions. My students faced challenges from the physics aspects but emerged with a deeper conceptual understanding of fractions.
How easy was it to use Slice Fractions and implement it in your classroom?
Integrating Slice Fractions into the classroom was straightforward. The game can be utilized for whole-group instruction, partner work, individual practice, enrichment, intervention, or small-group/rotations/math centers. PlayMath.org can also be easily distributed to devices through Google Classroom.
What did you like most about Slice Fractions and any other games at PlayMath.org?
Slice Fractions is intellectually stimulating, as it requires students to apply logic and reasoning to navigate the path for the woolly mammoth.
Boo was also captivating to play as it involved significant trial and error to achieve the correct sequence. Who would have thought that painting pumpkins could be so exhilarating?!
What makes PlayMath.org special or unique compared to other sites you’ve used in your classroom?
PlayMath.org stands out for several reasons:
- The games and activities are not timed, allowing students to focus on problem-solving without the pressure of a clock.
- The website is entirely free and devoid of any distracting advertisements.
- The games do not include rigid written instructions; students are encouraged to use intuition as they explore and experiment with the available tools. They can attempt the challenges as many times as needed, with quick help videos available for guidance.
How will PlayMath.org save you time or make teaching easier?
Teachers often grapple with finding alternative methods for students to practice math concepts. Worksheets tend to be the default option, but they can be uninspiring. Engaging students through gamification enhances their interest while allowing them to practice and comprehend the math concepts being taught in class. PlayMath.org provides students with a more visual learning experience compared to traditional classroom methods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qfTNkfEu7g
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