Fraction Lessons That Motivate

Fractions can be taught a variety of different ways. Most of the time teachers start fraction lessons with manipulatives to provide concrete examples, and then move on to more  abstract work.

Children know how important it is to get it right when you are talking about equal parts. Take a cake, for example. Children can tell you exactly who has more, and by how much. It might be useful to start a fraction lesson by listing the ways we use  them in everyday life. Students will come up with a variety of ideas of how fractions are used, such as when dividing money, placing snacks into equal groups, and picking teams for a dodgeball game.

While many math kits come with fraction manipulatives, it may be useful to have students design their own fraction pieces. There are a variety of ways you can do this. There are fraction lessons below that provide a variety of ways to turn fractions into something concrete.

Fraction Lesson Plans:

Divide and Shade:This lesson has students listen to a story, "Gator Pie", by Louise Matthews, and participate in an activity to show different fractional forms. They learn about halves, thirds, and fourths.

Fraction Fun : This has a series of fraction lessons that are bound to interest students. It also come with links to math websites, and worksheets to go along with the lesson. This lesson provides a great overview of fractions.

Keeping Warm with Fractions: This lesson has students learn about fractions and quilts as well. Teachers can use quilts as a way to teach about fractions, and how math played a role in quilt making. Students make a quilt as part of this activity, and therefore get a way to actively participate in this learning activity.

Fractions in Action: Students learn about fractions using manipulatives, games, and other hands on techniques. These lessons (located in the fourth grade math section) provide a great way to teach students about fractions, and also delve into such concepts as equivalency.

Fraction Tool Kits: In this lesson students make manipulatives to show fractional parts from 1/2 to 1/12. They can participate in a number of activities. There are great worksheets to go along with this series of lessons. With the many different ways to learn about fractions, students should find something of interest.