Build Your Own Fraction Computer!

Abstract

The NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards (1989) called for increased emphasis on promoting students' conceptual understanding of fractions and fraction operations; this call was reaffirmed in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000). Currently, many manipulatives, including pattern blocks, fraction circles, fraction squares, geodot paper, and fraction strips, are available to help teachers promote this understanding. This article describes another manipulative, the fraction computer, that I have found helpful for teaching fraction addition and subtraction.