edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinars- This event has passed.
Mastering Fractions Through Number Lines: Proven Techniques for Elementary Educators
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Presented by Paul Cholmsky, Researcher, Author, and Former VP of R&D, ExploreLearning; Tonnie Hibbert, Former STEM Educator, Current Senior Solutions Specialist, ExploreLearning; and Dr. Faith Peddie, Former Professor, Current Researcher and Developer, ExploreLearning
Sponsored by ExploreLearning
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
For many students, fractions are where math no longer makes sense. Transform how your students approach fractions with research-backed strategies shown to build confidence and conceptual knowledge. In this edWebinar, Paul Cholmsky and Dr. Faith Peddie, two members of the instructional design team at ExploreLearning working on the award-winning Frax system for fractions, explore a critical aspect of fractions instruction: the number line.
Extensive research evidence supports number lines as the primary representation for teaching fractions; however, students also need the right preparation to fully benefit from them. This session covers the latest instructional strategies for core fractions concepts that have been validated through multiyear studies. Key topics include:
- Using length (block) models to build foundational understanding and number line readiness
- How to bridge concepts across the curriculum using number lines
- Estimation of fraction magnitude as an especially impactful learning activity
- Tackling common classroom challenges with practical solutions and tech-based support
This session includes real-world examples and practical strategies to implement in your classroom. Tonnie Hibbert, Senior Solutions Specialist at ExploreLearning, shares a brief demonstration at the end of how ExploreLearning Frax can be used to build number line readiness through game-based scaffolded instruction. Viewers will also receive an extended 45-day trial of Frax!
Join us and gain the tools to strengthen your students’ fractions understanding, boost their confidence in math, and save time in your classroom. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary educators, particularly those teaching math.
About the Presenters
Paul Cholmsky is beginning his fourth decade in educational technology research & development, including serving as Vice President, R&D for ExploreLearning, whose award-winning Gizmos, Reflex, and Frax are used by millions of students worldwide. A frequent presenter at NCTM national conferences, he has also been an invited speaker at the National Science Foundation as part of the Small Business Innovation Research program, and was Principal Investigator on an NSF-supported project developing new applications of formative assessment for K-12 STEM. In 2001, he co-authored an innovative “hybrid” statistics textbook for Allyn & Bacon / Pearson that featured an integrated suite of computer-based conceptual learning activities. He has also written several white papers on the application of interactive content and adaptive learning systems into K-12 STEM education, including Solving The Fractions Problem (2024).
Tonnie Hibbert serves as a Senior Solutions Specialist at ExploreLearning, an education technology company solving the most critical challenges in K-12 STEM learning. Tonnie spent 15 years in the classroom as a STEM educator, teaching a range of subjects from 6th-12th, 6th-8th grade math and science, and has also served as an elementary Math Coach. In her current role, Tonnie manages the pre-sale process for ExploreLearning grant and pilot programs and serves as a product expert. Tonnie works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless support through initial and ongoing stages of product implementation. She is also directly responsible for tracking the data of each pilot and grant, ensuring that goals for student growth and achievement are successfully met.
Dr. Faith Peddie is a researcher and developer on the design team for Frax at ExploreLearning. She earned her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Virginia through research that examined novice teachers’ planning and enactment of ambitious mathematics instruction. As a former professor and teacher, providing students the opportunity to learn remains her number one priority. Dr. Peddie is an active member of NCTM, where she serves on the Classroom Resources Committee. At ExploreLearning, she drives product growth using her expertise in effective mathematics teaching practices to develop classroom-based materials for Frax and leads content iteration for the online program that is informed by user data and feedback.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Building Understanding in Mathematics community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
ExploreLearning develops education technology for the most critical STEM learning needs. From early science exploration to foundational math skills to virtual STEM simulations, our solutions build deep understanding and are proven to work for ALL students. Our award-winning K-12 STEM tools, including Gizmos, Reflex, Frax, and Science4Us, are used by over 15 million students in over 80 countries.
Research based and proven to be effective, ExploreLearning STEM solutions are serious fun. Designed to engage students and inspire curiosity, they encourage and reward students as they learn. With adaptive, individualized instruction, our solutions build critical STEM skills with just-in-time support for each student. Transform your STEM instruction with digital tools that make it easy to reward effort, track progress, and personalize learning for every learner.
