Our 3rd Grade Classroom News

Dear Parents,

We are going to learn a new unit on fraction in February. We are going to start off this unit by
understanding and identifying fractions and placing fractions on number line. Throughout this
unit, we are going to use two exciting technology programs in the class, “SplashLearn”, and
“Fractions”. These programs contain activities and practice problems for the students to work
on. These programs will provide practice and useful tools for student in learning math,
specifically in fraction. We will be using them often in class so it would be helpful for the
students if they can access and explore the “Splash Learn” and “Fractions” at home as well. The
activities on this program are very simple to use. If possible, allow your child to play with the
programs and familiarize with the program. In these programs, the child’s work is saved and
assessed where you and I can both see the progress of the student’s learning. If there are any
questions regarding the new technology programs, please contact me via email or phone!

Ms. Shim

Email: shimma@bc.edu Phone: 443-844-2447

SplashLearn “write whole numbers as fractions”.

SplashLearn is a program intended for
elementary students to better understand
mathematical concepts, demonstrate
mathematical skills and reasoning. On the
SplashLearn webpage, there are many
different course modules to select from, but
we will be mainly working with the fraction
unit. Within this unit, there are several
subsections such as “understand fractions”,
“identify unit fractions”, “identify non-unit
fractions”, “model fractions”, “understand
and identify fractions on number lines”,
“place fractions on number lines”, and
Through each of these subsection chapter
activities, the program provides students
with clear and in-depth fraction definition,
concepts, and examples step by step with
interactive components. SplashLearn allows
students to practice with type of colorful
and interactive game-based system that
engage students. Through repeated practice
problems through games and lessons can
help kids practice math skills and build
mastery. Most of the questions are text-
based, but some have audio support. Upon
answering questions, students get instant
feedback whether the answer is correct or
not, which can help kids catch mistakes
quickly. Students can access this site at
home so students can practice at home and
parents can see what content students are
learning. Parents can track students’
progress as well by tracking their
advancement in the SplashLearn.
Fractions by the Math
Learning Center
The Fractions app functions like a
whiteboard, which lets students freely use a
bar or circle to represent, compare, and
perform operations with fractions. Students
can choose the fraction model and number
of equal parts. Students can choose a color
to select specific parts to show a fraction of
the whole. With the diagrams and fraction
models, students can compare fractions and
represent equivalent fractions. Students
can further add, subtract with fractions. The
concept of fraction we will explore by using
this app will create a support and
foundation for relationship between
fractions, percent, and decimals. We will be
using this app in class to solve problems
where students can easily make diagrams of
real life example problems so that they can
understand the problem with concrete
models. In class, students will be instructed
to use the drawing tools to annotate work
and show how they solved the problem and
write equations and expressions with the
math text tool to demonstrate their
problem-solving skills. Students can use this
app at home as well when doing homework
because writing the math expressions and
equations out using diagram models are
helpful for students understand the
problem and solve problem by using
concrete models. Also, using technology to
help learn math is always more engaging
and fun for students!