Do you have a difficult time teaching fractions? Do your students get bored and lose focus easily? If so, you are not alone. Many teachers struggle to make fraction lessons interesting and engaging for their students. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will share 6 math tricks and tips that will help make teaching equivalent fractions a breeze for you and your students!
#1- Use a multiplication chart or skip counting sticks
One way to make fractions more interesting for your students is to use a multiplication chart. For example, if you are teaching a lesson on equivalent fractions, you can use the multiplication chart to show your students how different fractions are related. By using a multiplication chart, your students will be able to see patterns and relationships that they might not otherwise notice. In the image below I lined up the 3s row and the 5s row of a multiplication table. As you read the lines across you can see a whole row of fractions equivalent to three-fifths.
Grab your own free copy of these skip counting sticks here!
#2-Use area models
Area models are a great way to help students visualize fractions as both parts of a whole and as numbers on a number line. In the image below, you can see how the fractions one-half, two-fourths, and four-eighths are represented as parts of a whole and easy to identify as covering the same part of the whole–in other words, they are equivalent!
#3-Use fraction strips
You can also use fraction strips to help your students visualize fractions. Fraction strips are essentially mini number lines that you can use to help your students visualize fractions. In the image below, you can see how fractions are represented on a fraction strip. The fraction strips that are the same length are equivalent fractions. This is a great way for your students to see the relationships between fractions.
You can grab your own free copy of these fraction strips here!
#4-Use games.
You can all sorts of fraction games online or create your own. Equivalent Fraction Bump is a great game that you can use to review equivalent fractions with your students. The object of the game is to be the player to cover the majority of the fractions on your game board with fraction chips. To do this, you must first identify two fractions that are equivalent and then “bump” them by covering them with your chips.
#5-Use scavenger hunts.
This is a great way to review fractions with your students while also getting them up and moving! To play, you will need to hide fraction cards around the room. The object of the game is for students to find the fractions and then match them up with their equivalent fractions. This is a great way to review fractions and get your students up and moving!
#6-Use a ruler or measuring tape.
You can also use a ruler or measuring tape to help your students visualize fractions. For example, if you are teaching a lesson on fractions, you can use the measurement tool to show your students how different fractions are related. In the image below, you can see how a ruler shows that one-half, two-fourths, and four-eights are all the same measurement—Yep, equivalent!
So there you have it, six math tricks and tips to make teaching equivalent fractions a breeze! We hope you found these tips helpful and that you will be able to use them in your classroom. Even more helpful is having a done-for-you equivalent fractions math unit complete with mini-lessons, cooperative learning activities, interactive notebook entries, partner games, and practice pages.
if you have any other fractions tips or tricks, be sure to share them with us in the comments below!
P.S.-If your teaching equivalent fractions around the Christmas holidays, make sure you check out this idea for a Christmas lights equivalent fraction bulletin board.
P.S.S.-There are a lot more math goodies on the Math page of this website.
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