When it comes to teaching fractions to kindergarten through second grade, the simpler the better. At this stage, we are helping our students understand what fractions are. That means partitioning shapes, identifying equal parts, and understanding that fractions represent part of a whole. In this blog post, I’m sharing some ways to introduce fractions in a way that’s hands-on, visual, and super engaging for kindergartners, first graders, and second graders.
Kick Off with a Fractions Anchor Chart
Anchor charts are a must-have when it comes to introducing new concepts. Plus, fractions are an incredibly visual math concept! They give your students a reference point they can revisit when they’re working. A fractions anchor chart can show how one whole can be split into halves, thirds, fourths, and more. Whether you’re building it with your class or prepping one ahead of time, it becomes a learning tool to use when teaching fractions that your students can rely on every time they’re working independently.
Provide Opportunities with Fractions Mentor Texts and Read Alouds
Books are a fantastic way to bring fractions to life! They can help when teaching fractions because giving your students books about fractions can make the concept of partitioning feel friendly and fun. Here’s a list of books I think your students will love! Each is an affiliate link to Amazon.
- A Fraction’s Goal- Parts of a Whole by Brian Cleary
- Give Me Half! by Stuart Murphy
- Fractions in Disguise by Edward Einhorn
- If You Were a Fraction by Trisha Shaskan
- Fraction Fun by David Adler
Use Free Fractions Videos to Teach New Concepts
For videos, look for short, yet engaging clips like “Fractions for Kids” on YouTube. These quick, catchy clips help reinforce fraction basics in a way kids will remember. If you have a subscription to video streaming platforms, such as BrainPop, those websites also have fraction videos that you can show your students! Giving them opportunities to learn about a skill in different formats is vital to reach all types of learners. Here’s a link to the ‘Fractions for Kids’ video.
Teaching Fractions with Hands-On Opportunities
If you have paper plates and crayons, you’ve got a fun math lesson ready to go! Have students create their own pizza and decorate it with toppings. Then, practice cutting it into halves, fourths, or eighths depending on your math standards. Students can write the fraction that matches each piece and even trade slices with their classmates to compare different fractional parts.
Don’t forget to let the kiddos play! Legos can be a math tool that students already love! Use them to model fractions by building towers with a set number of same-sized bricks, such as 8 red bricks. Then ask, “What fraction of this tower is red?” This gives them great practice in a format that feels more like play than math class.
Use Worksheets for Morning Work, Center Activities, Assessment, or Homework
Looking to add even more structured practice to your fraction lessons? I’ve got a resource that’s ready to go! My Intro to Fractions Worksheets pack includes hands-on cut-and-paste activities and student-friendly worksheets that reinforce introductory fraction concepts. It’s designed to be no-prep and easy to use, whether you’re teaching whole group, small group, or need something for a math center.
Grab the Worksheets Below!
WORKSHEETS FOR INTRODUCTORY FRACTIONS
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