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Each year, my 4th grade class embarks on a math adventure to turn a plain Christmas tree into a colorful tapestry of fractions.
The initial step involves finger-painting 24 ornaments onto the Christmas tree. Students love this part! (Just give into the messy fingers. If you put them all at one table by the sink, you'll survive.) Little do they know, the real mathematical exploration was just beginning.
Fraction Analysis: Once the ornaments are dry, the focus shifts to the world of fractions. Students will count ornaments of different colors, reaching the total of 24. The challenge is then to determine the fraction represented by each color. Each present below the tree should have the fraction of ornaments that are that color.
Equivalent Fractions Exploration: With basic fractions established, students now take a deeper dive into equivalent fractions. On each present, 3 equivalent fractions should be generated.
Equation Creation: The culminating activity involved the creation of equations demonstrating how they decomposed the whole tree. I like to use Crayola's Construction Paper Crayons to write the fractions so the colors really pop!
Finally, hang the masterpieces in the hall. Your principal will love the amount of math on them and the kids (and adults!) will love the festive feel they bring to your classroom.
I hope that activity helps create some excitement in your classroom. I find it easiest to use one table for the "finger painting" station. While students are working on that, the rest of the class is completing centers within their small group.
