Dear Parents,

Welcome to third grade! This newsletter is to inform you of

the two programs we will be using to enhance the
understanding of mathematical concepts. The National Library
of Virtual Manipulatives and Math Playground are the primary
programs that we will incorporate into our curriculum this
year. Since we will be exploring abstract concepts such as
rational numbers, which include fractions, decimals, ratios, and
proportions, it is important to use interactive technology so
that our children have a better conceptual understanding of
these topics. We will be using these programs in class, as
they are very straightforward and easy to manipulate. These
programs are also easily accessible from home, so I encourage
you and your child to become familiar with them. You will be
able to see the tutorials, activities, and practice problems
that your children are using in class. It is a great opportunity
for you to see what your child is currently learning in class,
and a fun way for them to gain extra practice. If you have
any questions regarding the technology programs we are using
this year please do not hesitate to contact me!

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Miss Lis Newsletter
Note to Parents:

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National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a program that offers web-
based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials for K-12 mathematics
instruction. This program seeks to actively engage students in mathematical
instruction by using manipulatives to help students visually connect and apply
mathematical relationships. There is a large variety of categories that students
can explore including number & operations, algebra, geometry, measurement,
and probability, however, for the purpose of studying rational numbers, we will
be focusing on the number & operations category under the Pre-K -2 grade
level.
One of the activities we will be using is called
Representing Fractions. This will help
students illustrate a fraction by dividing a
shape and highlighting the appropriate parts.
In this exercise, students will divide the
whole which will be a circle or square into
the number of parts specified in the fractions
denominator. Then they will have to click on
parts in the picture to highlight the number
specified for the fractions numerator. For
example, if it is asking for a representation of
2 out of 3, the student will have to use the
arrows to divide the square into 3 equal parts.
He/she will then have to shade 2 of the 3
parts to represent 2/3. The student can check
his/her work and if answered correctly, the
program will continue generating new fractions
to illustrate. This gives students the
opportunity to understand the concept of
parts to whole, which is important especially
when learning about the role of numerators
and denominators in fractions.

This website is a great way for students to
visualize abstract concepts such as fractions.
It allows for fun practice and concrete models
that are easier to comprehend. You can learn
more about the activities in the link below!
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

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Math Playground
Math Playground is another program that is designed to help elementary
students better understand mathematical concepts. Within the website,
there are numerous manipulatives and modules for students to engage in
such as visual division, pattern blocks, fractions, ratios, etc. It is also
accessible by grade level, so it is a useful resource even beyond this
classroom.
Since our class is currently focusing
on fractions, one activity that is
particularly useful is the fraction
scale. It is an interactive way for
students to explore equivalent
fractions by placing blocks that have
different fractions written on them,
on a scale. If the scale is not
balanced, there will not be an equal
sign and the scale will not be leveled
out. If one side of the scale is
greater than the other side, meaning
one fraction is larger than the
other, it will be weighed down. The
bottom of the scale will show <, >, or
= to show the relationships between
fractions.

These activities are easy for
students to engage in and
conceptually grasp. The
educational approach behind
these programs is a great way to
appeal to the students interests
while also being beneficial to
learning. It can be accessed at
the link below:

http://www.mathplayground.com/
math_manipulatives.html




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