Let's be honest, from the start, fractions are a tricky concept for second grade, third grade, and fourth grade students. I've even found that even fifth graders struggle with adding and subtracting fractions if they do not have a strong foundation in equivalent fraction. One thing I've learned, you have to do more than just teach it. It takes students lots of hands-on practice and discussion about fractions before they actually learn it and conceptualize it. Here are some great equivalent fractions activities that will leave you feeling like a math rock star! 😎
Fraction Bars and Fraction Tiles
Fraction tiles are the best way for student to understand basic unit fractions and equivalent fractions concepts with fraction bars, tiles, or strips. Students can easily line up the fractions tiles over, under, or on top of one another to see if they are equivalent. This is a great way to see that even though the numerator and denominator may change, the size of the whole remains the same. I lean more towards using fraction bars, but it is great to throw in fraction circles if you have them. This makes students take the basic concept of equivalent fractions and apply it to a new shape.
I also LOVE my large equivalent fraction magnet tiles! These are a MUST have!! Personally, I keep fraction bars available for students throughout my entire fractions unit. I have found that eventually, students wean themselves off the tools and only use them if they need them.
**Teaching Tip - Whether you're teaching in small group or a whole group setting remind students that they are math tools and not toys. I always allow students to explore they blocks first, but when it is time to learn, they need to take their hands off the manipulatives.
Hands on Number Line
Creating a fun hands-on number line in small groups is a fun way for students to identify common denominators. This was a great activity for equivalent fractions and fraction number sense in general. To create the number line, I laid painter's tape across my kidney table. Then, I wrote different fractions on post-it notes (or index cards) and passed them out for the group to place them on the number line. I did not let them move anyone else's "fraction card" until the end. This is a great way for students at different levels of understanding to discuss the placement of unit fractions, how to use benchmark fractions, and work out misconceptions they had about fractions in general. For students working at a higher level, you can throw in an improper fraction to see if they know where to place it on the number line.
I love this lesson because it is still hands-on, but it requires a higher level of thinking. Every time I do this, I am amazed at the mistakes and discussion that stems from those mistakes.
Anchor Charts
Even if I think the whole class completely gets equivalent fractions (ok, just kidding that has never happened), I always create an anchor chart so my students have visual models of the fraction concepts that includes equivalent fractions examples. Depending on where we are in the unit, I will grab a large piece of paper and create an anchor chart with them, or I may give the students paper and ask them to create the anchor charts. Whether we do it together or in groups, this is an easy ways to give students some kind of resource with within the classroom or to place in their math notebooks.
Fraction Games with Task Cards
Once your students understand the basic concepts of equivalent fractions, task cards and games are a simple way for students to practice what they learned....and it's so much fun!! There are several fun card games you can buy on Amazon, but I like to use an old Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders game board paired with equivalent fractions task cards. My favorite things about this is that they hold one another accountable for getting the correct answer. I like to use self checking task cards or I provide an answer key. It's a simple and fun way to practice just about anything! You'll be amazed at how even the older students like 5th graders LOVE Chutes and Ladders.
Independent Work
Eventually, you need to have some sort of paper and pencil assessment to see if your students understand equivalent fractions. Even though, I use frequent exit slips for formative assessments, there is still a time when they just need to practice with a good old fashion equivalent fractions worksheet. I still like provide interesting and engaging worksheets, so I created a couple that I use in my classroom. I also keep a couple class sets handy for emergency sub plans.
Hopefully, some of these math strategies work in your classroom. I would love to see your favorite way of teaching equivalent fractions!!!
