FS Session # ___1___ Name:

Teaching Point: Equal parts of a shape represent fractions. Equivalent fractions can have
different shapes.
Task #1: Folding Fourths
Task #2: Getting to Know You

Rationale for choosing Task #1. This is our first Focus Student session (field experience).
This activity will be used to activate prior knowledge regarding fractions and common
geometric shapes.

Launch:
Give each student a square piece of paper.
1. Take a piece of paper and hold it up. Ask students, “What shape is it? “ (square,
rectangle)
2. Say:
 Fold your square so that the crease makes 2 equal parts– leave it folded!
 Before you open it up, predict what size/ shape each part will be.

3. Ask students to fold their paper again along the crease.

4. Say:
 Now fold your folded paper in half again – leave it folded!
 Before you open it:
o predict how many parts you will have altogether
o predict the shape those parts will be
o Now open your squares to check your predictions.
o When something is divided into four equal pieces, what do we call each
part?
5. Ask students to label each part of the square with the fraction.
6. Say:
 Hold up the fourths you made.
 Did we find all the ways to make fourths? If not, could you find any more?

Independent Work: While students are working, the teacher will be observing their
behaviors and comments, noting their behaviors and interactions.
Sharing Out: Ask students to show their labeled squares. If not all the possibilities are
shown, then the teacher will demonstrate the others so that all 3 solutions are represented.
Emphasize that all shapes are ¼ of the same original square (they all started with the same
size square so the ¼ are all equivalent.)
Rationale for choosing Task #2. Task #2 is an extension of Task #1. This exercise will allow
the teacher to get to know some fun facts about the students. This information may be used
later within the problem solving tasks.
Launch:
Turn the square over and label each section A, B, C, and D. In each section, ask students to
write the answer to these questions:

A. How many brothers and sisters do you have?

B. What subject do you like best – reading, math, social studies or science?
C. What is your favorite number?
D. What is your favorite game to play during recess?

Independent Work: While students are working, the teacher will be observing their
behaviors and comments, noting their behaviors and interactions.
Sharing Out: Take turns sharing answers. For B, C, and D ask students why? For example,
why is math their favorite subject?