Hey there!
So, you’re teaching fractions and I bet you’re looking for ideas. However, you want your students to not only understand the concepts, but also be engaged in hands-on learning and, most importantly, have fun.
Well luckily for you, I’ve found 15 hands on ways to teach fractions that you and your students will LOVE!
15 hands on ways to teach fractions
You can find the materials required for most of these activities right in your classroom! Let’s dive in.
Connect 4
I can’t think of a more fun way to teach something than with a game! This would be a great thing to have around for early finishers. This is probably the most fun hands-on way to learn about fractions!
Lego
If you’ve got lego blocks handy (in your classroom or at home), they are the perfect material for demonstrating fractions. You can use the parts to demonstrate halves, quarters, and eighths of a whole.
Playdough
Playdough is one the best hands-on ways for students to learn Math concepts. You can challenge your students to create shapes and cut them into fractions. Students LOVE playdough, so this is a winner!
Dominoes
You probably have dominoes lying around in your classroom, but I bet you hadn’t thought of using them for teaching fractions! You could ask your students to draw the fractions that they see on the dominoes.
Paper plates
Paper plates are certainly a crafty way to explain the concept of fractions to your students. You could make some as part of a demonstration or your students could make some as the lesson’s activity.
Tangrams
Tangrams are often the first thing we grab when we are teaching shapes, but have you considered using them to teach fractions? Students can explore the concept of equivalent fractions by building shapes with tangrams.
Blocks
If you have these types of toy blocks on hand, what a great way to show parts of a whole! This is the perfect way to demonstrate halves and quarters to your students (you’ve don’t have to write on the blocks if you don’t wish to).
Pool noodles
Pool noodles have to be one of the most imaginative of the 15 hands-on ways to teach fractions! How much will your students love something like this? You probably won’t have these lying around in your classroom. but they certainly are cheap to puchase!
Sandwiches
Food is always a winner in the world of teaching fractions. If having a pizza party isn’t in your budget (or something you’re allowed to do at your school/feel inclined to do), then why not look to what you already have in your classroom? Your students’ sandwiches that they are eating for lunch!
Pizza plates
On the topic of food, let’s look at another yummy way to teach fractions! Just like the last paper plates idea, this one is easy to source and implement. All that’s needed is a little bit of red and yellow paint!
Lego 2.0
And we’re back with another use of lego! But this time, instead of just looking at the individual lego blocks, your students can put the blocks together to make fractions. Do your students love lego? If so, this is perfect for them!
Playing Cards
Now this is an activity that’s easy to throw together, simply grab some playing cards from your classroom or home and use two at a time to show fractions. Your students can make lots of fractions using the cards and they’ll love it!
Fraction tiles
Most schools and classrooms have fraction tiles, so hopefully you can get your hands on these. If not, Amazon might be the place to go. These are a staple in the teaching of fractions and they are perfect for showing equivalent fractions.
Fraction cubes
Fraction cubes are another thing that you might have in your classroom or at your school. If not, Amazon is your friend! They are just like fraction tiles, but a bit more interactive as students can put them together and pull them apart.
Fraction burger
Finally, this one is always a winner with students. After all, who doesn’t love playing with fractions when they look like a burger! This is a fun 3D way of looking at equivalent fractions that your students will love.
I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out these 15 hands on ways to teach fractions.
Fraction worksheets
If you’re looking for fraction worksheets, I’ve got you covered too!
These no prep activities are ideal for learning halves, thirds, and quarters.
You can check out the worksheets here!
Digital fraction activities
Perhaps you need digital activities for your lessons on fractions? No problem!
Fraction Boom cards
Are you looking for a digital way to work on fractions with your students? These Fraction Boom Cards are perfect for First Grade students.
The best part about Boom Cards? They are no prep, interactive, self-checking, AND engaging!
You can grab the Boom Cards here.
FRACTIONs Powerpoint
Okay, so what if you’ve got loads of activities but you’re struggling with how to actually teach fractions as a concept? What if you need an introduction to your unit? Well this Fractions PowerPoint is exactly what you need!
You can get the PowerPoint here.
Thank you for reading, have a terrific day!
P.S. Sign up here to get access to my free resource library!
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