4 ways teach to fractions to elementary students

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.

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...

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:

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

Image courtesy of Max Field via Printables

Circle Models

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.

Image courtesy of @manmac via Printables

These are great for:

• comparing fractions

• finding equivalents

• adding and subtracting fractions

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.

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)

Ready to teach fractions?