“Mom, how do you add 1/2 and 1/6″
I poured K’s milk and replied, ” how many sixths are in one half?
M brightened and announced that 4/6 was the answer.
I rapidly explained about simplifying fractions.
M replied, “Huh?”
Glad that the math manipulatives are stored in the kitchen, I pulled out some fraction circles. and overlaid the 4/6 with 2/3. Then I went back to my coffee.
M announced a little bit later that 1/6 of 100 was 16 2/3. Then he announced that all the straight sides of the wedges were the same length, except the half circle, which was twice the length of the sides of the wedges. I pontificated on radius and diameter, but if he just tucks those words away for later I’m happy. I should get out some of the Sir Cumference books from the library for him.
This morning M left for Delta Lake. When the guy with braces is away, the rest of us eat sticky, crunchy food.
I keep hearing I should then shouldn’t buy some maths manipulatives, but this has sold me!! Thanks!
Ooo uses of manipulatives might make a good blog post.
Thanks for the idea and the shout out!