Building Fraction Foundations with CRA

This month, Zukeran’s fifth‑grade classrooms jumped into our fractions unit—and it couldn’t be more closely aligned with our School Improvement Plan and the DoDEA Blueprint for Continuous Improvement. As part of our goal for the 2025–2026 school year, students in grades three through five are working to improve their understanding of fraction concepts by at least three percentage points by May 2026. To support this growth, our teaching teams are intentionally and consistently using the CRA (Concrete, Representational, Abstract) instructional model.

Students have begun exploring fraction concepts through hands‑on manipulatives such as fraction bars and fraction circles. These concrete tools allow students to physically build, compare, and break apart fractions—helping them understand ideas that can feel abstract when seen only as numbers and symbols. After working with concrete materials, students moved into the representational stage by drawing visual models and using number lines to show fractional relationships. These drawings act as a bridge between hands‑on learning and more abstract mathematical reasoning. In the coming weeks, students will build confidence in finally using fraction numbers and symbols to independently solve fraction problems.

This approach directly supports our campus goal of increasing fraction proficiency. Consistent use of CRA ensures students are not simply memorizing procedures but developing true conceptual understanding. This emphasis on strong foundational math aligns with the DoDEA Blueprint, which prioritizes rigorous instruction, active student engagement, and unbiased access to high‑quality learning experiences.

From adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators to using benchmarks to check for reasonableness—and even multiplying and dividing with mixed numbers—the upcoming weeks will challenge students in meaningful ways. Fortunately, the CRA model provides multiple entry points for all learners, whether they need additional support or are ready for enrichment. As we progress through our units, students will continue using these tools to analyze word problems, justify their reasoning, and clearly explain their mathematical thinking.