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Pie Fractions
Suggested Grades: K-3
In the last lesson in this unit (see below), the students learned how to document data (votes) on a T-chart and to count the data by taking tally marks. In this lesson the students will learn how to share a pie (the one with the most votes) with their classmates.
Materials:
Paper plate pies sectioned and cut into eighths
Fraction Pie Pattern (available for download in our Media Gallery)
A paper slice of pie for each student to paint
Paint: yellow and orange
Paintbrushes
Pencils and/or crayons
Prior to this lesson, have the student paint a piece of pie (yellow for apple or orange for pumpkin) for their vote. Make sure the students print their names on the back of their slice. Note: the plates dry rather quickly. The pie slices will be dried by the time the lesson is taught. See the photo for the example.
Prior Knowledge: Start by reviewing the information (data) from the T-Chart with the class (this is from the last lesson). Summarize the data again.
Read a fraction book. Just take caution that some fraction books may be too difficult for young mathematicians.
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Teach:
After reading the book, say to the students, "Today we are going to figure out how many pies (apple or pumpkin) that I need to purchase so that each student can have a slice of pie." Give some examples from the book.
Show the students a pie pattern (from the download in the Materials list) and ask how many slices of pie that there are in the whole pie (kids-sized pieces will be about 8 slices per pie).
Tell the students that a fraction means part of a whole. Chart the definition.
Ask the students to tell you how many slices would be left if you ate one (color one slice in). For example, teach the students that 1/8 of the pie has been eaten. Work your way up to 4/8 or 1/2 of the pie.
Procedure:
Next, pass out the apple or pumpkin pies that they made on paper plates. Tell them that they are going to tape their "slice" of pie piece onto the circle (see photo above).
In the end you have a simple way that they can see how many pies will need to be purchased for each student to have one slice to eat. Count the number of slices that the class will eat and then count the number of pies that the teacher will purchase. Chances are you will have a remainder, so discuss remainder.
After the lesson, make this into a center game or work for small group instruction for twice the fun.
Assess:
Assessment may come later after several fraction lessons. Take a few pieces of pie away and ask the student the fraction of pie that is left.
Celebrate:
Purchase the pies and bring them to class tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving!
References
- This fraction lesson by Laurie Patsalides, was created for and taught with a Kindergarten class with much success.