After a couple of weeks working with problems in which they were taking a fraction of a fraction, fraction of a mixed number, the students made some conjectures about the problems.
We went through each one, proved, disproved and refined them when finally one student just asked..
“Ok, isn’t this really just multiplication?”
I knew he just wanted an answer, but that was not going to happen. 🙂 Since we have been doing a lot of multiplication number talks, I thought I would see if I could make a connection to whole number operations.I said, “Well, if it is multiplication, do you think the strategies on our anchor chart should work for the fractions too?” We made the anchor chart as strategies arose in our number talks. I put 2 1/4 x 1/2 on the board and said, “Try it out.”
They worked in groups and came up with some pretty amazing stuff…(A couple students chose to try a different problem, so the sampling below may be a mix)
We are going to share some strategies tomorrow since the rest of the class period consisted of them “arguing” about fraction multiplication. It made my day when one of the girls was leaving my class and said to her friend, “That was so fun!”
Wait, fractions fun?? LOVE IT!
-Kristin
MathMinds 
First of all, your students blew my mind with their logic! Second of all, it is very obvious that your students have incredible number sense AND you have created a classroom culture of inquiry and respect. Oh yeah, and fun and excitement around learning math. You are my new hero, Kristin!!
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Thank you SO much, you just completely made my day! Every aspect you pointed out about my classroom are my goals each day for myself and my students. I love that it comes out through their work! They are MY heros:)
-Kristin
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THAT is why we teach.
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Wow, this is killing me… I wish I had found your blog years ago.. Grrrr.
Brilliant I love the strategies, I love the fact your students are clearly comfortable trialling methods and more importantly making connections between topics / concepts. Thanks for sharing. Now I have I got to delve into more of your posts, it is a good job it is the summer holidays. Thanks again Damian
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Oh thank you so much Damian!! I am excited you are enjoying it, my students did some amazing math thinking this year!
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