Sharing Nature
Making Equal Parts
Beginner​
While on a walk, collect and sort items such as leaves or rocks.
Tip: Count the number of each item out loud together.
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Intermediate
While on a walk, collect rocks, sticks, or leaves and divide them into groups equally.
Tip: Divide 6 sticks into two and then three equal groups. Emphasize “equal groups.”
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Experienced
While on a walk, collect rocks, sticks, or leaves and divide them into groups equally. Talk about what happens when it is not possible to make equal groups.
Tip: Try to make 2 equal groups with 5 leaves. Can you split the 5th leaf in half to make equal groups?
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Why is this important?
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Sorting objects into groups develops the understanding of proportions, division, and fractions.
Reference: Cutting, C. (n.d.). Re-thinking fraction instruction in primary school: the case for an alternative approach in the early years. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED604346.pdf Vanluydt, E., Supply, A.-S., Verschaffel, L., & Van Dooren, W. (2021). The importance of specific mathematical language for early proportional reasoning. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 55, 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.12.003