Grade 3: Fractions Are Numbers Too!
Rating: 
Common Core Standards
Content Standards
3. NF.1, 3.NF.2a, 3.NF.2b, 3.NF.3
Standards for Mathematical Practice
MP.1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
MP.3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP.4 Model with mathematics.
MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
MP.6 Attend to precision.
MP.7 Look for and make use of structure.
MP.8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Description of Unit
This unit “Fractions are Numbers, too!” from the NYC DOE outlines an introduction to fractions as numbers. Teachers may a) use this unit outline as it is described below; b) integrate parts of it into an existing curriculum unit; or c) use it as a model. The unit consists of five lessons with supporting resources.
Cautions
Connecticut teachers should be aware that the unit is considered a high quality resource if taught with the following suggestions:
- Mathematical Practice Standards are not explicitly addressed in lessons.
- The unit authors note that Content Standard 3.NF.3 is not addressed explicitly, although some activities provide the opportunity to address those standards.
Rationale for Selection
The unit centers on the major work/concepts of the grade. It provides crucial guidance for classroom teachers by unpacking and addressing the linguistic access needs of English Language Learners. This provides a valuable distinction between vocabulary and language functions needed to provide entry points to the math content. Both need to be clarified to ensure comprehension and to avoid misunderstanding. This can be done by introducing and/or reviewing the most essential vocabulary words/phrases and language functions in context and with concrete models, when applicable.