Fractions strike fear in the hearts of even the fiercest math students. So why not introduce fractions earlier to your child or reteach them at home? Here are some tips and tricks that can help you teach your child this tricky topic.
Make a Visual Introduction to Fractions
Show a whole apple next to half an apple and label each with a number (or fraction) so your child can start making an association between the concept of each with the numeric value. Keep it simple!
Fractions are based on the idea of equal parts
Show a square with a line down the middle and ask your child if the two separate pieces are equal in size. (Also show non-examples where the pieces are not of equal size so there is a better idea of what’s going on). Practice drawing different shapes like a heart, rectangle, or oval and see if they can draw a line that would create 2 parts that are equal in size. For an older child, have them create 3 or more equal parts for a particular shape. The best part of teaching your own child is the ability to customize lessons to meet the needs of your child!
Fraction Resources
Here’s a free printable that you can customize to meet the needs of your child.
- Create equal parts and shade in some regions and have your child write the fraction
- Create equal parts and have your child shade in some regions and then write the fraction
- Write the fraction and have your child come up with a diagram to match
I also made my own manipulatives using index cards to show how simple fractions compare to each other and to a whole. This also helps with establishing ⅓ is smaller than ½.
More Resources
Here are some more products you can check out to make teaching fractions easier for you. These are affiliate links so I do earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you so much for supporting me and my mission to make math accessible for all children.
I hope this article inspires you to introduce fractions (or reteach them if necessary) to your child at home in a way that makes sense! Leave me a comment if you tried it out. Happy teaching!
~ Navi
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