Fractions can be a tricky concept to teach and learn. To make it easier for you and your 3rd-grade students, utilize engaging printable fraction activities – the perfect resource for making fractions less of an intimidating math topic!
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Grab This How to Set Up Math Centers Planning Guide
Hands-On Fractions Activities
Giving students the opportunity to use manipulatives such as pattern blocks or fraction bars is a great way for them to begin exploration. They can observe how the bars are divided and how they all add up to one whole. I love to start each day’s fraction lesson with this activity. It helps to build concrete knowledge of fractions!
Fraction Activities – Parts of a Whole
This is where I begin teaching fractions in 3rd grade. Students have to get the basic idea that a piece of a whole has a name, such as 1/2 or 1/3.
This worksheet allows them to count the number of parts in a shape (denominator), then the number of parts shaded (numerator), and finally, name the fraction it represents.
Second, students will shade the parts to represent a given fraction. This way, they see parts of a whole in two different ways.
If students are confused about this, go back to using manipulatives. Hands-on concrete practice first usually helps them grasp the concept.
Unit Fractions Activities
Now that students have learned that parts of a whole shape name a fraction, you can introduce them to unit fractions. This concept is important as they move forward in their understanding. Whenever a shape is divided into more than one part, that one part is called the unit fraction.
Third graders need to know the unit fractions: 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, and 1/8.
Knowledge of unit fractions is essential for students. It is the foundation of understanding all fractions. This fractions worksheet gives students practice naming the unit fractions listed above. Once it is complete, it can be used as a reference sheet in their math notebook.
Fractions on a Number Line
This one is tough to teach and learn! Placing a fraction on a number line is such an abstract concept that many 3rd graders really struggle. But – don’t worry – I have two tips that will help so much!
The worksheet below asks students to place these five fractions on number lines already divided into parts for them. If you show them this “trick,” I think they will understand this concept much quicker!
Fractions Tip #1
- Have students shade the space between the hash marks on the number line to show the denominator.
- Circle the denominator in the same color.
- Use a different color to draw the jumps that represent the numerator.
- Circle the number in that same color.
Fractions Tip #2
Your students have probably drawn fraction bars to show different fractions. If not, now is a good time to teach them! Fraction bars are the easiest way for students to draw fractions where the parts are more accurate in size.
- I have students draw a fraction bar right above the number line that is the exact same length as the number line.
- They will divide it into the same number of parts as the number line and then label each part.
I love how visual this is for students, and it’s super easy to do! It helps them “see” how the fraction fits on the number line.
Both of these tips can really help you differentiate instruction for your students. They definitely lend themselves to the “Aha” moment for many students.
These examples are just a few of the helpful and effective fractions worksheets this resource includes!
What’s in this Fraction Activities Packet?
- Parts of a Whole
- Unit Fractions
- Fractions on a Number Line
- Comparing Fractions with Like Denominators
- Comparing Fractions with Like Numerators
- Equivalent Fractions
- Create Fraction Designs
- Given This Number Line
- Fraction Word Problems
- Why Are These Fractions Equal?
- Given This Rectangle
- Find a Fraction That is…
The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives.
Robert John Meehan
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