It’s not uncommon for math to “stop making sense” once students encounter fractions. Reasoning that once applied to whole numbers suddenly doesn’t always align, concepts become abstract, and new representations (hello shaded area models and number lines) open the door to confusion.
No matter the time of year, it’s crucial to devote time to math intervention activities that help students develop a conceptual understanding of fractions.
Are you looking for intervention strategies to support fractions learning in your classroom? Keep reading for practical classroom solutions to try.
Why is math intervention important for fractions?
Fractions are often students’ first exposure to abstraction in math, and proficiency is crucial for foundational algebraic thinking in advanced courses. Without a conceptual understanding that fractions are numbers (each with a location on the number line), students will likely only succeed with fractions by memorizing seemingly disconnected procedures.
Research-based interventions for math are essential. Fraction interventions in the classroom should help all students develop an understanding of fraction magnitude (size) and fraction number sense.
Once students have a firm grasp of fraction number sense (understanding that fractions are numbers that can be rewritten in different forms), they will be much better prepared to reason with and about fractions in various contexts, including comparing fractions or performing fraction arithmetic.
How can Frax be used for math remediation?
Adaptive and game-based, ExploreLearning Frax uses the latest evidence-based research and instructional methods to create a better way to learn fractions.
Frax’s engaging, zero-entry program allows all students to gain fractions knowledge and confidence as they complete carefully scaffolded missions, whether on grade level or in need of extra educational intervention. Try Frax to enhance fractions instruction and remediation.
Research-based learning and progress monitoring
Frax uses the number line as the central representation tool to help students foster an understanding of fraction magnitude and perform advanced work with fractions. Through individualized instruction tailored to their levels of understanding, all students can reach grade-level proficiency.
As students use Frax, you can monitor progress using real-time reporting. On the Frax teacher dashboard, you will receive notifications when students struggle in order to intervene and help in person.
Example of Frax progress monitoring notifications
Students can also gain additional fractions practice for review and enrichment in Frax’s game-packed Review Room. The Review Room is customized to each student’s current needs to support them in skills needing more practice.
Starting strong: Using Frax before a fractions unit
For optimal outcomes, use Frax before your fractions unit to accelerate instruction. When it comes time for your core instruction, students will already have the baseline knowledge and confidence to tackle advanced fractions work.
Frax Sector 1 targets topics typically addressed in grade 3, and Sector 2 targets those typically addressed in grade 4. However, students in grades 3+ can use Frax at any time for remediation or extra practice. Completing Frax Sector 1 before Sector 2 leads to more efficient and beneficial fractions instruction for teachers and students in the classroom.
“Students love Frax. It provides great feedback and remediation to students who are struggling.”
-Grade 4 Teacher. Lamar County School District, MS
Frax: Tailored practice and intervention strategies for all students
Your students have unique learning levels and needs, ranging from advanced to those needing extra support. Frax supports all learners, including at-risk students and students who receive tiered interventions through RTI or MTSS.
Frax’s adaptive logic tailors fractions instruction and practice to individual skill levels. How else does Frax support math intervention?
- Highly scaffolded instruction in each Frax mission
- Offline activities that reinforce concepts, extend learning, and assess understanding
- Motivating rewards to boost engagement across all ability levels
- Accessibility features, including text-to-speech for English language learners
“I am having a wonderful experience using Frax to teach fractions. I began using it as a review for some students and as a remediation for other students.
Frax is very easy to use. I am in love with the wealth of data provided in the reports. I am seeing more and more of my students understand the fraction concepts they struggled with before implementing Frax.”
-Grade 6 teacher. Beaufort County School District, SC
Experience Frax
New research found that students who struggled in math and used Frax were two times more likely to reach on-grade level proficiency by the end of 4th grade compared to similar non-Frax users. With a moderate investment of classroom time (on average 13 hours to complete Frax Sector 1), all students can succeed with fractions, creating immediate achievement gains and, more importantly, eliminating major barriers to future success and opportunity.
Are you ready to experience the impact of Frax on your teaching and students’ learning? Get started today with a free classroom trial.
