In my previous posts Teaching Fractions and Fractions On the Number Line I have discussed the statistics of how poorly most students understand fractions, and some of the ways we can teach for better understanding. In this post I want to specifically address teaching equivalent fractions.
This free resource from MSTAR has a fabulous chart of common misconceptions about equivalent fractions and how to prevent or correct these. Interestingly, most of the suggestions come down once again to more use of the number line and more use of manipulatives. Remember our goal is for students to understand and be able to visualize fractions, not just use “tricks” to get an answer.
Using Manipulatives to Teach Equivalent Fractions
To introduce equivalent fractions the best activity I have found is this free one from Math Coach’s Corner. She developed it for 3rd grade teachers to have their students explore the concepts and develop meaning on their own. The activity uses fraction tiles and can be found at this link- Concrete Learning For Equivalent Fractions
Besides fraction tiles, another fun and effective manipulative for exploring equivalent fractions is pattern blocks. Go here for free equivalent fraction task cards using pattern blocks. As with the previous activity these encourage students to explore and make their own discoveries.
Using Number Lines To Teach Equivalent Fractions
Math Coach’s Corner also has a great article on Drawing Number Lines to Visualize Equivalent Fractions
Using Models To Teach Equivalent Fractions
Introducing Equivalent Fractions Using Equal Sharing Problems from Math Tech Connections
Free Printable Practice Task from the Georgia Department of Education
Using a Multiplication Chart to Find Equivalent Fractions
This article from Simply Teaching explains how to teach students to use a multiplication chart to find equivalent fractions (and the importance of students being able to quickly write their own multiplication chart.) While this may seem like a “trick,” if taught properly it will develop number sense of how we use multiplication and division to determine equivalent fractions.
Online Games For Practice
Equivalent Fractions Bingo at ABCYA
Physical Games For Practice
Here is a free printable equivalent fractions Triomino game for 4th/5th grade.
Equivalent Fractions Spoons Game
Intervention
Free Tier 2 intervention lessons from MSTAR for teaching equivalent fractions
Lesson using visual models from Math Interventions
Intensive Intervention Fractions As Numbers has a section on equivalent fractions
Enrichment
Slice My Pizza Enrichment Lesson for Third Grade
Nicholas’ Game from Marilyn Burns In this game students are asked to identify fractions that are less than, equal to, and greater than a particular starting fraction. The lesson doesn’t rely on any contextual setting or use of concrete materials but rather draws on students’ reasoning abilities.
