“Math is used by us daily, and I want my kids to love math,” said Brent Bagley, 3rd-grade teacher at Sundale Elementary in Tulare, CA. With 19 years of experience in the classroom, he wanted to help his students go deeper into understanding fractions and how often we use them in life.
Bagley learned about Frax from a fellow teacher and gave it a try through ExploreLearning Math Grants. “I was interested in it because Module 5 of Engage New York Math (our curriculum) is all on fractions, and it poses the most difficulty of the modules for my 3rd graders. I wanted to see if Frax could help them out and boost their learning with fractions,” he said.
Frax: A game-changer for teaching fractions
Mr. Bagley shared how Frax transformed his classroom experience, especially during Module 5. “I am very impressed with Frax,” he said. “It made Module 5 run so much smoother, and the kids really seemed to grasp the concept of fractions so much quicker.” He appreciated how seamlessly Frax integrated with his existing curriculum, enhancing rather than replacing his teaching methods. “It worked very well with the math I was already teaching each year.”
Student engagement at an all-time high
One of the standout benefits for Bagley was the boost in student engagement. “The fact that they enjoyed it and that it helped them with the lessons and the tests—that made my job easier,” he explained. “Their engagement went up this year, and that is, in large part, because of Frax.”
He emphasized how the game-like environment of Frax made learning feel fun and approachable. “Kids love video games, so if it feels like a video game atmosphere, then they buy in. Some software programs aren’t as kid-friendly. This felt fun for them.”
Deepening understanding and boosting confidence
Frax didn’t just help with the basics. It pushed students to explore more advanced fraction concepts like equivalency and addition beyond one whole. “I liked that it took my kids past something as simple as dividing up a pizza or a pie,” Bagley said. “They could easily understand the size of fractions, comparing them to other fractions, equivalency, and even adding up fractions.”
He noted improvements in both homework and testing, and most importantly, a noticeable shift in how much students enjoyed learning fractions. “They enjoyed fractions this year more than any other year that I taught.”
Engagement, routine, and a touch of competition
Frax became a regular part of Bagley’s classroom routine, with students using it for 15 to 20 minutes a day. “We have other software programs we use as well, so it was just a matter of putting in the time slot to make it part of their routine,” he explained. While most of the work was done in class, some students were so engaged that they chose to continue at home. “My favorite part is that they enjoyed it,” he said. “It helped my teaching of fractions in many ways.”
To keep motivation high, Bagley added a fun competitive element: “Their favorite part was that it was fun to do, and they liked that I added a little competition into it. I let them see who was reaching Sector 2 first, what level each kid was on, etc. I made it part of our ‘Weekly Goals’ as well.”
Frax: A classroom favorite that delivers results
For Bagley, one of the most telling signs of Frax’s success is how much his students genuinely enjoy using it. “All my students like Frax. When I say, ‘It is time to do Frax,’ they don’t grumble. They enjoy Frax time,” he said. One student even told him, “I am even doing some at home, Mr. Bagley. I like it when we get to do Frax. It is fun, and I am learning a lot.” That kind of enthusiasm, paired with measurable academic growth, is what makes Frax stand out.
When comparing Frax to other programs, Bagley ranks it among the best. “Frax is set up well, is supported well, and the kids like doing it. Learning is the huge bonus.”
Try Frax—you won’t regret it
To any teacher considering Frax, Bagley offers this advice: “Try it if you have the opportunity. I’m happy I was able to get the grant. I know not all schools can afford more than they already do, so I was fortunate. But I would tell them that my class really succeeded this year, and I know Frax was part of that. I have nothing but good things to say about Frax.”
Ready to unlock deeper understanding and greater engagement in your math classroom? Try Frax today and see the difference it can make for you and your students, just like Bagley.
Brent Bagley is entering his 13th year at Sundale Elementary and his 19th year in education. Teaching is his second career, following a decade of work with the health department, primarily in computer-related roles. Driven by a strong calling to make a difference, Brent transitioned into teaching and has never looked back.
He envisions the ideal classroom as a safe, empowering space where students are encouraged to learn from mistakes without fear of humiliation. His teaching philosophy emphasizes cooperation over competition, fostering teamwork, creativity, and a genuine excitement for learning.
Bagley has taught both 4th and 5th grades, but his heart belongs to 3rd grade, which he has taught for 13 years. He feels incredibly fortunate to be part of the Sundale Elementary community and plans to remain there until retirement, continuing to inspire and support young learners every step of the way.