Make Math More Fun: Seventh Blog

Fractions

Learning about fractions can prove to be quite difficult for many children. There are so many rules when adding, subtraction, multiplying, and simplifying fractions, it is no wonder many children might feel frustration when trying to learn fractions. It seems that much of the confusion might stem from not really understanding what the fraction actually stands for, or how much it is worth. For many students it can also be mind boggling when the denominators are different.

The trick then is how to make fractions make sense for kids. Many students need concrete materials to understand the concept of fractions. Students need to understand that a fraction really just means a part of a whole. Teachers can introduce the words numerator and demominator, though I think for elementary students the focus should be for them to understand the concept of fractions.

The main point of learning fractions is the it is equal parts of a whole. A good way to demonstrate fractions is to use hands on activities, manipulatives, and many illustrations and drawings. Make connections to fractions with the students. You could put them into groups of eight and have them roll out a circle of playdough the cut it into eight pieces. Then have students tell you what part of the whole or what fraction of the playdough they have, if they each get one piece.

Some ideas on teaching elementary school students about fracions.

Use manipulatives, like blocks or triangle pieces of different colors to show different fractions.

Let students help with recipes, they love to measure and pour ingredients, this is a great time to ask how many 1/4 cups make 1 cup.

Take regular pieces of paper, then have the students fold it into 8 squares or more, have the students open up the paper and then label each part with the correct fractions.