You've probably figured out from previous lessons that teaching students how to do fractions can be fun.
By now, students have been taught the basics of reading and writing fractions. However, seeing it done once or twice is not enough to develop complete understanding. Using concepts in real life scenarios is something they need to practice. Even more important than that is the fact that some students simply learn better by doing.
- Have students take out their circles made from the previous lesson plans in this series. If you don't have these circles, then simply use the following guidelines and modify as needed for your class. The circles are cut into equal parts with the number of parts matching these listed colors of circles: Pink:1, Purple:2, Yellow:3, Orange:4, Blue:6, Green:8.
- Tell students that you are going to write fractions on the board. After you write the fraction, they need to place the pieces that match the fraction on the center of their desk.
- Start out by asking students to place their pink and yellow circles on their desks.
- Write the fraction "1/3" on the board. Reiterate that "1/3" means you want them to find the circle that has 3 parts and pull out one of those parts, placing it in the center of their desks. Check students' work.
- Ask students to place their orange and their purple circles on their desks.
- Write the fraction "1/2" on the board. Check students work.
Continue to use this method, increasing the size of the fraction and/or increasing the number of circles on the desk at one time. As you write each fraction, have the class say the words "numerator" and "denominator" as you point to each one. Once the fraction is written out, say the fraction. For example, write the fraction "1/4" on the board. As you write the one, have the class say "numerator" with you. As you write the four, have the class say "denominator" with you. Once the fraction is written out, say "one-fourth" and have the class repeat what you said.
Teaching students how to do fractions in this manner helps by using several different formats to communicate. They are not only reading fractions. They are actually using fractions to solve a problem. They are using oral skills as well. Combining these methods will help students because each student relies on different skills to enhance their learning experience.