MAR 10, 2021 LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fractions & Technology Newsletter

From the desk of Ms. B
Dear Parents & Families,

For our upcoming unit section on fractions, your children will be using a few
different websites and apps to support their learning. I have found that using
apps and websites, like IXL (app and website) and Khan Academy (app and
website), helps to facilitate and bolster the technological literacy that so many
young learners already have nowadays. I wanted to share what we are going to
be using so that you can take a look and familiarize yourselves with this part of
our learning experience. These resources can be used on any devices you have
access to (iPads, tablets, desktops, laptops, etc.) and I have found that students
really enjoy this technologically-forward mathematics learning experience.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have (email:
breretoc@bc.edu) and enjoy!

Best,

Colleen Brereton (Ms. B)

Contact me with any

questions or
concerns!
email: breretoc@bc.edu
phone number: 203-123-4567

01 GRADE 3
 MAR 10, 2021 LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

IXL Math
From the desk of Ms. B

Benefits of IXL

Aligned to MA State Standards

Organized practice problems
Explains correct answers
Provides rich detail,
explanatory visuals, and
exciting virtual manipulatives https://www.ixl.com/math/
Facets to be aware of IXL is accessible online and in the App Store, and covers
a wide range of school subject areas. Of interest to our
third graders, IXL math is incredibly comprehensive
There is a 10 question daily limit if you and covers 388 third grade math skills, 59 of which are
do not purchase a membership. I will specifically focused on fractions. This site really helps
never assign more than 10 practice
students to master essential math concepts and skills at
questions for homework, however if
your child wants to have access to more their own pace. My favorite part about IXL is the built-
questions and your family feels in support. When solving a problem, students can click
comfortable doing so, the IXL full
“work it out,” for another question that scaffolds their
membership is also a great option.
learning, and guides them through their solution
The practice problems have process.
something called a “Smart Score.” I
don’t particularly like this language. I
think students can get discouraged
when they see their “Smart Score” is IXL is also specifically designed to align with the
very low after only getting a few Massachusetts State Standards. This allows me to track
problems wrong. I have explained to their progress according to each standard and adjust my
them that the algorithm that scores lessons accordingly.
them is finicky and that this score is
not a reflection of their “smartness,” I
recommend encouraging them to
work hard, focus on learning from
their temporary mistakes, and to not
worry about this silly measure.
 MAR 10, 2021
IXL Math
From the desk of Ms. B
How to...
1) Select third grade
2) Pick a topic from the expansive list
of Fractions-related content
3) Have your child read through the
directions and select their answer
own learning. I will also be assigning
incorrectly answer a math problem, I
Note: If your child expresses confusion, they can always
select “Work It Out” and IXL will offer a graphic or image
to help your child solve the problem:
LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Use in class & at
home
In class we will be using this site to
supplement our learning and access
practice problems. At times I will be
directing your children to practice
certain types of problems if I see
students need more support.
Students can also select the specific
topic they would like extra practice
with, really taking control of their
homework problems on IXL math
for your children. If you see they
recommend making sure they are
reading through the explanations
provided for the correct answer.
Sometimes I have noticed students
will ignore the explanations, which
causes them to make the same
mistakes in the future. I also
encourage you to encourage your
children to try extra practice
problems if there is something they
are struggling with, or something
they find interesting!
 MAR 10, 2021 LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Khan Academy
From the desk of Ms. B

Benefits of Khan Academy

Clearly explains fraction topics

in visually and auditorily
stimulating videos
Tracks progress as you move
through topics
Students can write and show
their work right on the screen,
this is great for building
transferable math skills!
100% free!
Numbered step-by-step
solutions to each problem

Facets to be aware of https://www.khanacademy.org/

Khan Academy is an incredible, 100% free
IXL math has more practice
problems than Khan Academy so it is math site for students of all ages. Khan
likely you will hear your child say Academy is a great resource for fraction
“I’ve already done this problem!”
while using Khan Academy. I foundations (fractions in contexts, what
suggest students redo and retry fractions mean, fractions on the number
problems to reinforce learning, but if
they do seem bored or unmotivated, line, comparing fractions, equivalent
I suggest switching over to IXL math fractions, etc.) for third graders. Not only
for practice. In this situation, I may
recommend moving forward to does Khan Academy provide many practice
some fourth grade fractions
problems and “quizzes” to assess your child’s
questions (please contact me if your
student is interested in this progress, but Khan Academy’s instructional
challenge!)
videos are an amazing resource to reinforce
Make sure to have your student sign
into their account so their progress is lesson topics.
saved!
 MAR 10, 2021 LYNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Khan Academy
From the desk of Ms. B

How to... Use in class & at

home
1) Select third grade math
2) Select “understand fractions” or “equivalent fractions and If a student is ever absent
comparing fractions” during math class, I will likely
3) Start a section (for example: fractions intro) send home a Khan Academy
video to supplement the lesson
content until they are able to
join us in the classroom again!
Similar to IXL, I will direct
students to Khan Academy for
practice problems during class
4) Click “start” to begin first question time. Because of Khan
5) Read directions Academy’s rich and descriptive
6) Have your child answer the problem and use the writing videos, I also plan to instruct

tools to show their thinking students to watch these videos

to problem solve during small
group work.

At home, I recommend going

straight to Khan Academy if
your child expresses confusion
7) View the step-by-step explanation or frustration with their
schoolwork. The videos, and
the practice problems that
follow, are a great way to
remind students of the fraction
fundamentals they have
learned in class.