So, your students have already mastered the basics of fractions—awesome! But now it’s time to level up and tackle fractions greater than one. This can be a tricky concept for some students, but with a little creativity and some fun activities, they’ll be pros in no time.
Today, I giving you a tour of my favorite lesson for teaching this concept. It’s packed with hands-on learning, partner games, and some creative number line magic. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your students catch on!
1. Start with a Fractional Number Line Review
Before you start teaching about fractions greater than one, make sure your students are solid on what they already know. You might want to do a quick review of benchmark fractions (like 1/2, 1/4, 3/4) on the number line, just to warm up those math brains. Once the review is out of the way, it’s time to introduce the concept of fractions greater than one!
2. Let’s Build a Number Line: From 0 to 2
Now, draw a big number line on the board that stretches from 0 to 2. You’re about to get your students thinking deeply with a little inquiry-based learning.
Start by asking:
“How should we divide this number line to show one-fourth?”
- After some discussion, divide the number line into fourths and label 1/4.
- Next, have the students help you label the rest of the fractions between 0 and 1 (1/4, 2/4, 3/4).
Now, here’s the big question:
“What should we label the marks after the number one?”
This is where students start to see that the number line keeps going, and that fractions don’t stop at one! Together, demonstrate how to label the space between 1 and 2 using improper fractions like 5/4, 6/4, and so on.
As you work through the labels, ask your students what patterns they notice. They should see that while the numerator continues to count up, and the denominator stays the same. Point out the whole numbers too—remind them that 4/4 = 1 and 8/4 = 2.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: More Number Line Fun
Now that the number line concept is sinking in, it’s time to practice with different denominators. Whether it’s thirds, fifths, or eighths, have students divide number lines and label fractions greater than one for extra reinforcement.
4. Let’s Play a Game: Meet and Make It
Once you think your students are grasping the concept, it’s time to make fractions FUN! Enter the game Meet and Make It, a great partner activity that will get your students moving and collaborating.
How to Play:
- Prepare two types of cards: number cards (like 3/4, 5/6, 7/3) and word cards (like “three-fourths” or “seven-thirds”).
- Distribute one card to each student. Each student should have either a number card or a word card.
- Students will find a partner who has the matching card of the other type (a number card pairs with a word card of the same value).
- Once paired, they’ll work together to divide and label a number line that includes their fraction on a recording sheet.
- When they’ve labeled their number line correctly, they trade cards and find a new partner.
This game is interactive, gets students talking about fractions, and allows them to repeatedly practice dividing number lines in a fun way.
No need to spend time creating this activity, I’ve got it all for you right here!
5. Craft Time: Number Line Trifolds
For some students, folding paper and creating a hands-on project can be a total game-changer. The Number Line Trifold activity is a great way to help students visualize and organize fractions greater than one.
Here’s how it works:
- Have students cut out trifold templates and fold both sides in so they meet in the middle (like a brochure).
- Inside each section of the trifold, students will draw and divide a number line, then label two fractions greater than one that are written on the front.
To “lock” the trifold shut, they can use half-circle pieces to tuck the flaps closed. It’s like a mini book of fractional knowledge!
You can definitely recreate this with, but if you’re looking to save time you can grab this done-for-you version!
6. Ready, Set, Go! Fraction Racers
Now it’s time to race! Fraction Racers is an exciting game to keep your students engaged while practicing fractions greater than one.
How to Play:
- Give each pair of students a set of fractional number lines and a die.
- Students take turns rolling the die and moving along the number lines. They mark and label the fractions they land on as they move.
- The first player to reach exactly 2 on all five number lines wins!
This game adds a competitive twist and encourages repeated practice without feeling repetitive.
Grab it here!
7. Assign It: Fractions Greater Than One
Wrap up your lesson by assigning some additional practice on fractions greater than one. Do a quick formative assessment using a worksheet with a mix of number line activities and fraction comparison problems to solidify their understanding.
PRO TIP: Spend only the minimum time necessary grading math papers. You only need to grade enough to see if students understand the concept. This FREE math grading rubric will save you tons of grading time!
Fractions greater than one can be a tricky concept for students, but with these hands-on activities, games, and creative tools, your students will not only master it—they’ll enjoy it! From number lines to trifolds to fraction racing, there’s a little something here for every kind of learner. So grab your markers, dice, and trifold templates, and let’s get those fractions flying! What do you think? Are you ready to teach fractions greater than one with a little more fun and creativity? Get started by downloading the full lesson plan or grab the entire 3rd grade fractions unit!
