Elementary Mathematics - Before You Begin: Grade 5

Before You Begin

Understanding Fractions: Grade 5

Essential Question: How do reasoning and estimating support students' understanding and fluency with fraction operations?

I. Prepare for Session 1

At Bank Street, we believe that teaching is an intellectual process that requires critical thinking, risk-taking, and reflection, much like learning. Typically, we structure our professional development series so that collaboration among colleagues is central.

Since you may complete this module independently, we are offering strategies to support you in getting the most out of this professional learning experience: You will find these strategies in Handout 5.0d: Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Module.

Before you begin, complete the following as part of the pre-work for the module:

Locate a journal or notebook that you will use for all three sessions and reflections
Decide how you will collaborate with a colleague and commit to it
Make a note of the vocabulary terms on Handout 5.0e: Terminology List, as we will refer to this list throughout the session

After completing this short introduction and the pre-work, you will participate in 3 hour-long learning sessions. During this time, you will consider how you know what students know and how to facilitate math learning for understanding. There are also built-in opportunities to take the work back to your classroom in the Bridge to Practice section of the module.

II. Pre-Work

Beliefs Reflection: What are your beliefs about mathematics and how might they impact your pedagogy? Reflect on your beliefs by responding to the prompts on the following pre-work handout, Handout 5.0a: Beliefs Reflection.

Vision Reflection: Review pre-work Handout 5.0b: Vision Reflection and respond to the prompt: What does this vision look, sound, and feel like when it comes to life?

Read over the standards and terminology we address in the module on Handout 5.0c: Foundational Standards Review.

Begin Session 1