Fabulous Fractions

July 1, 2001
Gr 3-6-Comprehensive hands-on introductions to their subjects. Each book consists of 40 activities, all of which include lists of the required materials, clear and complete procedures, and a black-and-white illustration. As the chapters progress, the activities and concepts become more complex and each one concludes with brain stretchers (related ideas to explore). In Fractions, the activities range from coloring pizzas on paper plates and cutting them out to cutting a sandwich into four equal parts six different ways. In Measurement, the activities range from using hands and feet to measure distance to making a sundial. Some of the projects are time consuming or require a solid background in mathematics. For example, in Measurement, readers are instructed to make a 12-inch by 12-inch grid with markers to create 144 boxes. Then they are directed to cut pieces of different colored paper into 144 1-inch squares. Students continue to create a mosaic and then determine the fractions/percentages of each color. While this is a useful project, many readers may be overwhelmed by all of the work. Nevertheless, these books provide valuable activities and games to help children learn about the concepts.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2001
Reviewed with Long's "Measurement Mania."

Gr. 2-6. What do a deck of cards, dominoes, a gift catalog, and a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich have to do with math? They're part of ingenious games that teach children how to add and subtract fractions. In "Fabulous "Fractions the chapter "Dancing Decimals" demonstrates how to convert a decimal to a fraction; "Splitting the Deck" shows how to multiply a fraction by a whole number. In "Measurement Mania," children use the five forms of measurement in games such as "Guess and Weigh," and "Spoons Abound." In "Body Parts" kids measure their smiles and big toes and find the circumference of their heads and necks. In "Ten Times" players use a stopwatch to determine how fast they can perform certain tasks. Both wonderful books include clear instructions, lists of necessary materials, and assorted tips. There are also special challenges for whiz kids. No math anxiety here--just lots of laughs and fun. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)