There is another crucial step to remember when teaching parts of a whole. A whole can be made of “unequal” parts. For example, a circle can be divided into three parts: three-sixths (aka one-half), two-sixths (aka one-third), and one-sixth. Ultimately, these fractions can be written as “sixths,” and most can be simplified. I want to keep this simple by featuring basic Montessori fraction materials that are one color for isolationof qualityand for consistency with the Montessori fraction insets. Next, students create a fraction bar model (or a number line in a different version) of each fraction Educational Games » Teacher Tools » Virtual Manipulatives » Fraction Manipulatives » Fraction Circles Fraction Circles Teaching fractions is universally recognized as challenging, but also fundamentally important to mathematical learning. Fractions permeate our daily lives – from cooking and telling time, to shopping and planning our day. Consider the simple act of dividing a pizza into equal slices: if you divide a pizza into six slices, you’re effectively dividing it into sixths.

Step 1: We begin with a post-it that shows halves. I write 1/2 on the board and ask students to shade in one-half. Capture-a-Whole is one of my favorite games to support the continuous, independent exploration of this concept. You will use these fraction circles again and again. Consider having a special box (or container of some kind) for math manipulatives. That way you will always know where to get them, when needed. Like fraction tiles, fraction circles can be used as fraction manipulatives for almost every part of your fraction unit:

Equivalent Fractions

Adding and Subtracting Fractions:Use fraction circles to physically demonstrate the addition and subtraction of fractions. For addition, students can combine different pieces to form a whole or another fraction. For subtraction, start with a whole or a fraction, then remove pieces to show the result. The fraction circle helps children to see how different fractions relate to one another. Try printing out the poster and placing it on children’s tables so that they can refer to it while working. I love dominoes so much, I started creating fraction activities to specifically use with dominoes (like the one below).

Now, let’s think about fractions. Written numerically, a fraction is represented by a numerator on top and a denominator on the bottom. A line divides those two numbers. Of course! In fact, this would be a lovely interactive resource to help children learn and understand the basics of fractions. All students benefit from fraction manipulatives. Students need to see and feel how fractions work. And, while fractions are everywhere — hello pizza parlors! — students need regular practice with fraction manipulatives that are flexible and classroom-friendly. Step 3: I write 3/2 on the board. This time, I ask, “How do we say this fraction?” There is often a range of responses. Often, however, one big misconception arises. Students shout: “two-thirds!” This is the perfect incorrect answer that launches me into a question and a think-aloud. First, I write 2/3 and ask: How would I say this fraction? Then, I think aloud: Hmm… when I hear two-thirds, I write 2/3. The numerator on top shows two pieces, and the denominator on the bottom shows that there are three pieces total. I guide them to see that 2/3 discusses three equal shares, whereas 3/2 is looking at two equal shares.newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}}}\) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\) This game is endless (as long as I’ve printed enough recording sheets!) and easy to complete independently, with a partner, or in a small group. Fraction Tiles (Bars) Flip a domino vertically and it becomes a visual representation of a fraction. These are great manipulatives because they give you access to a library of fraction examples! This can be really helpful when you want to cut out the prep work of making fraction cards (which inevitably get ruined). Instead, swap them out for dominoes.

Fractions can be a little mind-boggling for children, but resources like this fraction circle display poster can help them gain a clearer understanding of the topic. Featuring a design that’s true to Twinkl’s style, this poster is a great visual aid to incorporate into your learning environment. Step 4: Next, I ask, “What do you think this fraction looks like with your post-it note?” Notice: Many will say it can’t be done. Let them keep exploring. After some time, a couple of students will conclude that they need another post-it. I give everyone a second one and allow them to shade in another half. It’s time to talk about what they see. (The wait time is crucial!) First up, one resource that would complement this poster perfectly is these Fraction Circle Puzzles! It’s a great interactive option to have up your sleeve and will help children engage with this topic well.This activity would be great to use at home or in school to introduce children to the concept of fractions.

Test children's fraction skills with this fun and interactive puzzle. Simply cut out the different parts of the fraction circles and encourage children to put the different fractions together to make a full circle. One of my favorite games is Dominoes Comparing Fractions. While the game can be played with dice or dominoes, dominoes require fewer steps. Equivalent Fraction Hunt:Turn learning into a game by challenging students to find different ways to make a given fraction using their fraction circles. For example, you might ask them to find all the combinations that make up 3/4 or 2/3. This activity encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Using fraction circles to teach fractions is as easy as pie! Using the idea of pie is actually a great way to familiarize students with the idea of fractions. With fraction circles, children can imagine dividing a pie into equal pieces and show that visually.Students often struggle with the concept of fractions. This interactive fraction strips tool helps students visualize fractions. With these online fraction strips, students can model fractions, solve fraction problems, explore equivalent fractions, and observe the differences between denominators. Finally, students translate the domino fractions into number form and use symbols to show greater than, less than, or equal. Introducing Fractions:Start with the whole circle and explain that this represents one whole unit. Gradually introduce the other pieces, explaining that each piece represents a part of the whole. For instance, when introducing the half piece, explain that two halves make up one whole. A fraction circle is divided into equal parts of a whole circle to represent different fractions to children.