To keep their brains in somewhat of a school mode, I conduct a summer school of sorts at our dining room table.  Monday through Thursday for an hour or two in the morning the boys work on maintaining their reading, writing, and math skills.  We also do science experiments (which they LOVE) and typing practice (which they LOATHE).  Friday is Field trip Friday so we go to the local zoo, botanical garden, science center, museum, or whatever event that catches our interest.

On Monday the boys worked on simplifying fractions.  Good times.

First they watched a Khan Academy lesson about equivalent fractions.  It made good use of visuals, and of course, was free.  Win, win.

Then I gave them their task – Scrumptiously Simplified Fractions – one of many wonderful resources by Teaching with a Mountain View that I came across while prepping for next school year (i.e. working for free).

Eagerly they sorted out their 1/4 cup of M&M’s by color. 

Following the directions, they created fractions based upon the color, using the total number as their denominator.  After simplifying their fractions they then added a couple of those fractions together, creating different color combinations.

Lastly, they got to eat their fractions.

Yes, you get to eat your fractions now, my crazy-haired child!  Overall it was a success.  For Cody it was a good review and for Carter, it was just beyond what he had done with fractions at the end of third grade. 

Chocolate and math, a winning combination!