The role of common fractions in mathematics education and in applications is discussed in light of the increased importance of calculators and the metric system. (MP)

Curricular placement of and emphasis on common and decimal fractions are discussed. Suggestions include: retaining common fractions in the curriculum, teaching decimal concepts and notation earlier, reducing fraction computation complexity, and moving fraction computation upward in the curriculum. (MK)

Measurement experiences can promote and illustrate number work in an intuitively satisfying way. Some current practices that are counterproductive for developing number sense and some alternative strategies that are more constructive are included in discussions of the approximate nature of measurement, realistic measurement, and work with rational…

Findings from a study with first-grade children on addition and subtraction help make a case for a conceptual rather than a mechanized approach to the operations. How base ten blocks were used in the program is illustrated. (MNS)

Activities are given to assist students in seeing a rationale for the difficult algorithms we teach for fractions. Both interpretations of fractions and operations with fractions are discussed. (MNS)

Discussed the use of Cuisenaire rods in teaching the multiplication of fractions. Considers whole number times proper fraction, proper fraction multiplied by proper fraction, mixed number times proper fraction, and mixed fraction multiplied by mixed fractions. (JN)

This method of teaching the division of fractions emphasizes the use of concrete materials and helps students understand what division of fractions means. (MP)

Activities involving spinners and dice are presented. Making the materials is noted, followed by activities on counting, computation, probability, fractions, and other ideas. (MNS)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has completed its second mathematical assessment. This article focuses on the results from the second assessment of 9 year olds and 13 year olds; major results of the content areas are summarized and examples of the data are given to support the conclusions. (Author/MK) Aspect of National…

Four games that provide practice with fractions are described. The games involve naming fractional parts, identifying equivalent fractions, adding fractions, and multiplying fractions. (JT)

Discusses the generalization of the meaning of multiplication for whole numbers. Presents an example for multiplication of fractions. Provides several diagrams to help improve understanding. (YP)

Building mathematical sentences is the focus, with worksheets for practice with basic facts and fractions in a problem-solving setting, using logical reasoning. (MNS)

The focus is on using mathematical concepts and operations to decode holiday messages. Worksheets are provided for levels one-two, three-four, five-six, and seven-eight. (MNS)

Four games and some variations which can be used to practice facts and operations are described. (JT)