Parent Newsletter

Ms. Berritto’s 4th Grade Class

Parent Newsletter

Motion Math is an application suitable for smartphones, tablets/iPads, via the application store, as
well as desktops, laptops, or Chromebooks through the Chrome browser. This program features a
series of mathematical games that students engage with to enhance their mathematics ability.
Understand fractions as numbers on Specifically, the games “Bounce” and “Zoom” are extremely beneficial to the students’ learning as
a number line; represent fractions on we are “bouncing” into our fractions and decimals unit! “Bounce” allows students to orient their
a number line concerning: fraction device to place the given number on the correct place on the number line. The moving icon in the
length of a whole, evenly spaced and game resembles a monkey holding a bubble that contains a fraction. For example, if the monkey is
labeled intervals. showing the number ¼, and the ends of the number line allow 0 and 1, the student must tilt the
device, or use the arrow keys on a computer, to bounce the monkey to the correct distance on the
Compare decimal values by
number line. This game also has an option for counting numbers, decimals, percentages, and pie
reasoning about their size; represent
charts. This practice teaches students how to conceptualize fractions on a number line by assigning
decimals on a number line
the fraction to relative size. This method familiarizes students with identifying fractions on a number
concerning: length between numbers,
line while enabling the students to understand fractions through the length and distance between
and spaced and labeled intervals.
zero and one. The game “Zoom” also utilizes a number line to illustrate mathematical notions
regarding the size and meaning of decimals. In this game, the student is given a number and is asked
More information about frameworks can be
to plot it on a number line; however, this number line is interactive and zooms in to show tenths,
found here.
hundredths, and thousandths (which we will focus on) and how to show tens, hundreds and
thousands. For example, if the number 3.2 is displayed, the student must zoom into the area
between 3 and 4 for the tenths place digits to reveal themselves. Then, the student drops the
“Bounce” number to the appropriate tenths place digit, in this case, 0.2 between 3 and 4, 3.2. The visual
representation of zooming in to display smaller numbers allows students to conceptualize the size
and value of decimals in the tenths, hundredths, and thousandths place on a number line. It also
serves as a tool for comparing decimal values in which the game requires students to identify the
length between numbers on a number line. Both games provide scaffolding instruction if the
student gets stuck. For example, in “Bounce” the number line will divide into the number of pieces
as the denominator which can guide the student to a certain tick mark, and in “Zoom,” an arrow
will appear to orient the student in the right direction on the number line. The program collects
data from the students which shows the amount of time a student plays each game, the progression
of skills, and factors of learning. This data will aid the development of lesson plans and individualized
instruction going forward. Numerous organizations have accredited Motion Math as being the “Best
App for Teaching and Learning” in 2015 and placed as the Gold Medal Winner of “Serious Play
Awards.” A peer review article also demonstrated that students who played Motion Math showed
a 15% improvement in fraction estimation and a 10% improvement in math attitudes after only one
week of play. I encourage parents/guardians to make this application available to students at home
“Zoom”
to strengthen their mathematical abilities. If working from a smartphone or iPad/Tablet, Motion
Math is found in the applications store, if working from a computer, one can visit
www.play.motionmathgames.com to interact with the program. The student will be asked to sign
into the application which will ask for an access code (zxcgg) and his/her password. If your child has
forgotten his/her password, feel free to contact me for it! If you have any further questions or
concerns, you may reach out to me via the contact information provided on the homepage!

 Explaining why fractions are equivalent
using visual models; Understanding
that the number and size of the parts
differ although the fractions are of the
same value.
Comparing fractions with different
numerators and denominators;
referring to the same whole.
More information about frameworks can be
found here.
Equivalent Fractions
Comparing Unlike Fractions
s top right corner of the display. The student will be asked for a username and password to
Splash Math is a mathematics resource website and application that offers games and practice
for students which is accessible via iPad/tablets, smartphones, and computers. Specifically,
the program contains a significant fraction and decimal program that we will use to support
the students' learning during our unit! During the next few weeks, we will be using the fraction
features to learn about equivalent fractions and comparing unlike fractions. While learning
about equivalent fractions, the students will engage with math games that focus on identifying
and creating equivalent fractions with visual models. In the game listed under the “equivalent
fractions” unit, the program will ask to fill in missing numerators or denominators to make the
fractions equivalent by multiplying or dividing them. In the second image in the column, the
example display provides the student with a fraction, ¾, and sets it equal to another fraction
with a numerator of 9. The student would then calculate the denominator and type the answer
into the purple box, 12. Another example question, the first image in the left column, could be
“which fraction is equivalent to ⅕?” in which the display would show four possible answers.
The student would then select the correct answer of the four, (1 x 2) /(5 x 2). This practice
enables the student to understand that the number and size of the parts of a fraction may
differ but the value remains the same. During our unit on comparing unlike fractions, we will
take advantage of the features that Splash Math offers. The math games for this unit will ask
students to compare unlike fractions by placing a <,>, or = between the two fractions displayed.
An example question for this unit, the third image in the left column, might ask students to
compare 5/4 and 8/12 and will give the student the option of <,>, or = to place in an empty box
between the fractions. The student will then select the correct answer, >. In the program, the
students will employ the skills acquired in the equivalent fraction domain, as in some cases
they must set common denominators, or create equivalent fractions, to accurately compare
the two fractions. This game encourages students to compare fractions that have different
numerators and denominators with symbols by applying frameworks learned in the previous
unit of equivalent fractions. Through this activity, students will also engage in working with
fractions while referring to the same whole. Splash Math provides scaffolding support to
students if they answer incorrectly. As seen in the left column, if the answer is incorrect, the
program explains why the correct answer is so. The web-based program also collects student
data that is easily accessible for future implications in lesson planning and individualized
instruction. Splash Math also adapts to the way that each child learns to best suit his or her
personalized learning needs. The program also offers motivation by providing students with
incentives, like virtual rewards, for participating in math activities. The application is used
across the country in which there are 20 million students engaged in learning mathematical
concepts through Splash Math. I highly encourage parents/guardians to promote using Splash
Math at home to help develop their child’s mathematical abilities. To access this website,
visit www.splashmath.com in your web browser and press the “sign in” button located in the
access their profile. The application is also available in the application store under “K-5 Splash
Math” and is free to download. Upon opening, it will ask for the student’s username and
password. If a student has forgotten his or her username and/or password, please contact me
via the contact information on the homepage for his or her login credentials. Please reach out
if you have any questions or concerns about the program of our unit!