Casta Garcia-Rosen

Formal Observation #1
March 2nd, 2015
Topic: Math
Unit: Understand Fractions
Grade: 3rd grade, General Education
Essential Question: How can a fraction tell how many are in part of a group?
Vocabulary and Key Terms:
Fraction- is a number, part of a whole, or part of a group
Unit Fraction- names 1 equal part of a whole. It has 1 as its numerator (top
number). For example, is a unit fraction.
Skills:
Students will describe a part of a set or group.
Students will use a math rubric to guide them as they solve the open-ended
problem and score their answer.
Objective:
Students will be able to use fractional parts of a group using unit fractions.
Common Core Standards
CC.3.NF.1 Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a
whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity
formed by a parts of size 1/b.
Pre-Assessment:
From the previous lessons, students know that a fraction describes the relationship
between the parts and the whole. Students are given a do now handout. They are given
2 minutes to complete it. The teacher will then review the problem using the power point
presentation. The problem will access their prior knowledge by asking them to draw
counters to come up with a fraction. The teacher will then collect the do now papers.
Lesson Presentation:
Set Induction
Teacher will present an image on the Smartboard of four kids and 8 pencils. Teacher will
ask students:
How can these students share the 8 pencils fairly? (Answers will vary)

Why is your way a fair way to do it?

Would it be fair if I gave one student five pencils? Why would that not be fair?

Procedure:
1. The teacher presents a word problem from the power point presentation on the
Smartboard.
2. Teacher says to students: The focus of this lesson is to find fractional parts of a
group using unit fractions. When we have a problem with a fraction we have to
know the number of groups to count, the number of groups, and the total number
of objects.
3. Teacher reads the Michaels Shirts problem to students.
4. Teacher will model for the students the three steps to solve the problem that is
presented on the power point presentation.
a. Step One Draw a row of 4 counters
b. Step Two - Continue to draw as many rows of 4 counters as you can until
you have 20
c. Step Three Circle 4 equal groups and state the answer.
5. Next, the teacher will review a math open- ended problem solving rubric for
students. Students will follow along on the Smartboard. A poster-sized copy of the
math rubric will also be displayed in front of the class for students.
6. The teacher will review with students:
a. How do you get a 4 on problem solving?
b. How do you get a 4 on explanation?
c. How do you get a 4 on representation?
7. Teacher will then model for students how to apply the math rubric through a
fraction problem about fruits using apples and oranges.
8. Teacher will model the problem on the white board using the three steps learned
earlier in the lesson.
9. Teacher and students will use the math rubric to grade the open-ended questions
from the fraction problem.
10. Next, Students will be given a handout with problems that are differentiated
specifically for their groups level.
11. Students will be divided into 4 homogeneous groups based on math ability level.
a. Group 1 (below grade level) will work with Ms. Martino
b. Group 2 (approaching grade level) will work with Ms. Rosen
c. Group 3 (on grade level) will work independently with occasional support
from teachers as needed, will work in pairs with group 4 if additional
support is needed
d. Group 4 (above grade level) will work independently with occasional
support from teachers as needed
12. Each handout will include a copy of the math open-ended problem-solving rubric.

Closure:
1. Teacher will ask students How does a fraction tell us how many are in part of a
group? (Answers will vary)
2. Teacher will reinforce that fractions tell us the number of groups to count
(numerator) and the total number of groups (denominator).
Materials:
Smart board
Go Math! Teacher Edition Workbook
Power Point Presentation
Do Now problem (30 copies)
Differentiated Worksheets (Groups 1-4)
o Group 1 10 copies
o Group 2 and 3 12 copies
o Group 4 5 copies
Math Open-Ended Problem-Solving rubric (30 copies)
Homework worksheet (30 copies)
Poster sized copy of rubric
Poster listing the names of students in each group
Laptop
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markers
Pencils
Follow-Up Activity:
Students will be given a homework sheet with a fraction word problem that requires them
to use the math open-ended problem-solving rubric.
Evaluation/Assessment:
Students classwork will be collected and graded. Students will be required to show their
work and use the three-step strategy to solve the fraction problems. Students can look
back to the examples of the fraction problems that were used at the beginning of the
lesson. During the students small group work the teacher will do informal observations
and ask the students questions about the steps they are using to solve the fraction
problems. The teacher will also observe if the students are using their rubric while they
are solving the open-ended problem.
Differentiation:
Below Grade Level Students (Group 1):
Students will be provided with a modified worksheet for their level
o The modified worksheet will include pictures

 Students will receive extra support from the teacher during the group work
activity.
Approaching Grade Level Students (Group 2):
Students will be provided with a worksheet designed for their grade level
Students will receive extra support from the teacher during the group work
activity
On Grade Level Students (Group 3):
Students will be provided with the worksheet designed for their level
Will work in pairs with students in group 4 if additional support is needed
Above Grade Level Students (Group 4):
Students will be provided with a modified worksheet for their level
o Worksheet includes problems that stimulate higher order thinking
ELL Students
Students will be provided with a modified worksheet for their level (see below
grade level worksheet)
o The modified worksheet includes pictures
Students will receive extra support from the teacher during the group work
activity.