Flaticon Icon You just finished your unit on multiplication. You look at your pacing guide and sigh deeply. The next unit is FRACTIONS. This has always been a tricky unit for upper year elementary students.

A group of teachers discussing strategies for teaching.

But this year, you've decided to work with your colleagues to find effective and engaging ways to teach fractions.

Here is what you come up with...

1. Set the Foundation

The first concept students need to master to understand fractions is that they're an equal part of the whole. A great way to explain this is to connect fractions to sharing.

Teaching Example

Tell students: "You have a cookie you would like to share with yourself and 3 friends. How can you share the cookie so that each of you gets the same amount?"

Then cut the cookie into 4 equal pieces so everyone gets the same amount. Each piece is an equal part of the whole cookie.

Check out the video below that demonstrates this concept:

2. Use Visuals and Manipulatives

Fractions are an abstract concept, so using visuals and manipulatives helps students better understand this tricky concept. This also allows students to use their senses, such as sight and touch, to interact with and learn fractions.

Visuals

These help students see the fractional parts that create a whole. These are also helpful when comparing fractions or identifying equivalent fractions. Common fraction visual aids are 2D fraction bars and circle models.

Fraction Bars

A fraction bar table that shows several rows of bars divided into corresponding fractions from 1, 1/2, 1/3 and so forth. Image courtesy of Max Field via Printables

Circle Models

Fraction circle models showing pie chart-style fractions from 1/1 to 1/10. Image courtesy of Freepik

Manipulatives

Fraction manipulatives serve the same purpose as visuals. However, they're hands-on tools students can use to help solve problems.

Fraction tiles, a 3D version of the picture of fraction bars above, are an example of a fraction manipulative.

A series of 3D fraction tiles on a table. Image courtesy of @manmac via Printables

These are great for:

  • comparing fractions

  • finding equivalents

  • adding and subtracting fractions

3. Connect to Previous Math Content

Connecting fractions to previous math concepts helps to build a strong understanding. Students are able to link different concepts, see relationships, and add depth to their knowledge as a result.

An example of this is connecting fractions to multiplication. A popular tool to teach multiplication is a multiplication chart. This video explains how to use a multiplication chart to find equivalent fractions:

This tool helps students find equivalent fractions by taking something familiar and building a new element.

4. Relate Them to Real Life

Fractions are scary for some students. To help students become more comfortable around fractions, connect your lessons to real-life examples and experiences. This shows students that they already have some practice with fractions, building their confidence.

Some examples of real-world connections are:

  • sharing toys or treats equally

  • cooking

  • baking

  • reading stories featuring fractions (a great example is the story The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins)

Quiz

Which are good real world examples connected to fractions? Select all that apply:

Take Action

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Ready to teach fractions?

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