This week in my math class (EDCI 300) we learned how to use manipulatives to teach addition and subtraction of fractions. This was all new to me and I really struggled with using the Cuisenaire Rods. I know that many of my fellow classmates, also, struggled with using the Cuisenaire Rods to show addition and subtraction; so, after watching a bunch of YouTube videos, I created my own little video that I sent to some of my classmates in hopes that they could understand the process better. I don’t want to forget what I learned and figured this would make a great post for me to refer back to and for others to learn more.
MODELING ADDITION
Here’s my little video of how to use the Cuisenaire Rods to model addition:
MODELING SUBTRACTION
Most of the steps for addition would be the same for subtraction, right up to the end. Essentially, the denominators need to “match” (be the same number) and this is done the same way in both addition and subtraction. The difference is at the end, once the two fractions represented have liked denominators. Rather than adding the numerators together, you’d subtract them.
EASIER FOR CHILDREN THAN ADULTS
My instructor, Santosh, kept telling me, “This is easier for young students than for older students,” and it turns out, she’s right. After I quickly explained the steps to my 10 year old daughter (Grade 5), she quickly caught on and was able to add numerous fractions using the rods. She knows very little about fractions, in general, but found this activity fun and easy (unlike I did initially! Haha).
WHY USE MANIPULATIVES?
I look forward to using these manipulatives when I become an actual teacher. My hopes is that my students will better understand what’s happening rather than following a procedure. It took me some time to understand the cuisenaire rods, but I am certain it was time well spent.
cblake October 28, 2022
Hi Kim!
I have to thank you so very much for creating this video! I was definitely one of the classmates that was not catching on to this in class. I can’t say how much I appreciate you taking the time to sit down, learn it, and then share it with us! Thank you! I have saved your video so I can refer to it in the future as I am sure it will come in handy.
mtank November 9, 2022
Hello Kim!
Like Chelsea expressed in her comment, I too was the classmate who struggled with understanding how to use the Cuisenaire Rods. This video was extremely helpful to me as you broke it down and walked the viewers through every step.
I also am looking forward to using manipulatives in my future classroom as I am a very hands-on-learner and feel that most students will benefit from the use of them.
– Morgan 🙂