Learning fractions is often a struggle for elementary aged students who are faced with the material for the first time. The concept of fractions is more abstract than other math problems they have been introduced to, so many students have a hard time being able to see the fractions as real numbers. To help students become comfortable with the new CCSS required fractions curriculum, ETA hand2mind, provider of hands-on learning solutions for P–12 teachers, has created the VersaMate iPad app, one piece of their Common Core Fractions Solutions which will debut this April.
VersaMate takes hands-on learning from physical to digital. The fractions content for VersaMate was developed to meet Common Core State Standards so teachers can easily differentiate their instruction and find new ways to inspire their students to learn fractions. “The new VersaMate app is unique because it’s both fun and educational,” says ETA hand2mind CEO Jude Rake. “The app pairs robust educational content with an engaging strategy game so kids learn and practice fractions concepts in a new and exciting way. The more they play, the more they learn.” The app includes activities like identifying what fraction is represented by a shaded circle, supplying the missing numerator or denominator that will make the two provided fractions equivalent and other games which require students to use their understanding of fractions to solve problems.