Teacher and Student books are 8-1/2 x 11" paperbacks.
We recommend one Teacher Edition for you, plus one Student Edition for each student learning basic fractions.
We recommend one Teacher Edition for you, plus one Student Edition for each student learning basic fractions.
Special through March 15, 2020: 20% off Basic Fractions Teacher and Student Editions
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Teacher Edition reg. price $14.95
SPECIAL 20% OFF: $11.96 |
Student Edition reg. price $9.95
SPECIAL 20% OFF: $7.96 |
If you're looking for a better way to teach fractions, try Brick Math's Basic Fractions, where students learn fractions by modeling them with LEGO® bricks.
So many students struggle with fractions. It's hard to learn, and can be hard to teach, too. Basic Fractions makes it easy to teach fractions, and fun for students to learn.
Use Basic Fractions with your whole class, or try it in small groups for remediation, for intervention, or for gifted learners. The materials are simple: a Teacher Guide with the lessons for each content area in Basic Fractions and a companion Student Workbook with assessments, challenge problems, and tracking charts.
So many students struggle with fractions. It's hard to learn, and can be hard to teach, too. Basic Fractions makes it easy to teach fractions, and fun for students to learn.
Use Basic Fractions with your whole class, or try it in small groups for remediation, for intervention, or for gifted learners. The materials are simple: a Teacher Guide with the lessons for each content area in Basic Fractions and a companion Student Workbook with assessments, challenge problems, and tracking charts.
Watch these quick training videos to see Basic Fractions in action!
Lesson from Basic Fractions teaches how to add fractions with like denominator
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Lesson from Basic Fractions shows how to model factors of a given number
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Here's how Brick Math's Basic Fractions works:
Use the lessons in the Teacher Edition. Start with Chapter 1, or choose any chapter to begin. Start by taking students through the Part 1: Show Them How section. Build the brick models, show them to the students, and ask students questions as directed. Be sure to use the math vocabulary for each lesson.
Have students build the same models themselves so they are manipulating the bricks as you are guiding them. With a whole classroom, you may want to use a document camera to display your models as you build them.
Then have students draw their models and answer the questions in their companion Basic Fractions Student Edition.
Once students have mastered the modeling processes from Part 1, move to the Part 2: Show What You Know section of the chapter. Ask students to complete each of the problems, first by modeling with bricks and then drawing their models in the companion Student Edition.
Then have students draw their models and answer the questions in their companion Basic Fractions Student Edition.
Once students have mastered the modeling processes from Part 1, move to the Part 2: Show What You Know section of the chapter. Ask students to complete each of the problems, first by modeling with bricks and then drawing their models in the companion Student Edition.
Move through the room, checking that students are building their models correctly and that they understand the concepts behind the models.
Tracking and Assessment
The Basic Fractions Student Editions include an Assessment for every chapter, a chart to track each student's progress, and additional problems for practice and challenge.
Brick Sets
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Brick Math Brick Sets, specially designed for the program, are packaged in sturdy divided storage boxes and can be shared by two students. Two baseplates are included with each Brick Math brick set.
If you already have LEGO® bricks or compatible bricks in your classroom, feel free to use those! We recommend one baseplate for each student to make modeling easier. Each chapter lists the bricks suggested for the lessons in that chapter for every two students. Each book includes a total brick inventory that lists all the bricks suggested for the program for every two students. |
Classroom Management Tips
- Before starting, have a conversation with the students about using bricks as a learning tool rather than a toy.
- Teach students the language of bricks (baseplate, stud, 1x1, 1x2, etc.).
- Assign brick sets to specific students by number and always give the same students the same sets. This helps keep students from taking home or misplacing bricks. If they know they will always have to work with the same brick set, they are more likely to be careful with their set.
- Do not teach with bricks—or any manipulative—every day. Students also need to think through the math processes without a physical model.
- To keep bricks clean, put them in a hosiery bag and wash on the top rack of the dishwasher. Let them air dry.
- To keep bricks from sliding off desks, use foam shelf liner cut into rectangular sections or large meat trays (you can often get these free from a local supermarket).
- Active learning breeds active learners! Students will be motivated and engaged in math when they are using bricks. It will not be quieter in your classroom, but it will be full of chatter about math!
What teachers say about Basic Fractions Using LEGO® Bricks:
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"Basic Fractions is a versatile tool; it works well in a small group setting, one on one, and/or with partners."
Tonya Robbins, 3rd Grade Teacher |
"I have seen students gain confidence and knowledge in an area that was previously a struggle."
Amanda Barber, 3rd Grade Teacher |
"Basic Fractions provides students with the opportunity to 'see' the math."
Tammy de Hart, Lead Teacher |