Fractions
In Kindergarten, students are given a brief but useful introduction to fractions:
K.5 The student will identify the parts of a set and/or region that represent fractions for halves and fourths.
Understanding the Standard (For Teachers)
• A fraction is a way of representing part of a whole (as in a region/area model) or part of a group (as in a set model).
• In each fraction model, the parts must have the same area.
• The fractional parts of a set model are subsets of an equal number. For example, in a set of ten cubes, each half would be a subset of five cubes.
• Informal, integrated experiences with fractions at this level will help students develop a foundation for deeper learning at later grades. Understanding the language of fractions furthers this development (e.g., fourths means “four equal parts of a whole” or 14 represents one of four parts of equal size when a pizza is shared among
four students).
All students should
• Understand that fractional parts are equal shares of a whole region or a whole set.
• Understand that the fraction name (half, fourth) tells the number of equal parts in the whole.
• Understand that the fraction name (half, fourth) of the set model is a subset of the whole set with equal numbers.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Apple Fractions. By Jerry Pallota. Illus. by Rob Bolster. 2003. 32p. Cartwheel. (978-0439389013) Gr K. Introduce students to fractions using something they should all be familiar with: Apples! Great for introducing the concept of fractions and good for the anticipatory set of your lesson.
Fraction Fun. By David Adler. Illus. by Nancy Tobler. 1997. 30p. Holiday House (978-0823413416) Gr K+. Adler introduces students into the world of fractions using what he calls "pizza math". Using this method he shows how fractions can be more than, less than, and equal to as well as discussing the actual math involved in fractions.
Full House: An Invitation to Fractions. By Dayle Ann Dodds. Illus by Abby Carter. 2009. 32p. Candlewick. (978-0763641306) Gr.K Fun entertaining story to begin discussions on fractions with your students. Can be used for various grade level activities involving fractions as it helps to set a foundation for instruction.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Fractional Flashcards. Print and use these cards in various ways throughout fraction instruction. They are very useful for finding equivalent fractions and for helping with general fractional number sense.
Fraction of an Apple. Here's a lesson on apples that incorporates fractions. Food is always fun for students to use, just make sure you have parent/school approval first.
Lego Fractions. I love using legos in my lessons (maybe because they are so readily available at my house!) so this activity looks like lots of fun to me.
Electronic Resources
Equivalent Fraction Bars. Online manipulative that allows students to start playing with the concept of equivalent fractions. Done in bar form which makes it easy to have students copy pictures into their math journals.
Assessments
Color Fractions of Groups. This page demonstrates students knowledge of part of a group fractions.
Fraction Shapes. This sheet has students drawing in and labeling fractions. They divide different shapes into halves, quarters, and if you're students are up to it, thirds!
One Half. Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of one-half. They show part of a whole and part of a group.
K.5 The student will identify the parts of a set and/or region that represent fractions for halves and fourths.
Understanding the Standard (For Teachers)
• A fraction is a way of representing part of a whole (as in a region/area model) or part of a group (as in a set model).
• In each fraction model, the parts must have the same area.
• The fractional parts of a set model are subsets of an equal number. For example, in a set of ten cubes, each half would be a subset of five cubes.
• Informal, integrated experiences with fractions at this level will help students develop a foundation for deeper learning at later grades. Understanding the language of fractions furthers this development (e.g., fourths means “four equal parts of a whole” or 14 represents one of four parts of equal size when a pizza is shared among
four students).
All students should
• Understand that fractional parts are equal shares of a whole region or a whole set.
• Understand that the fraction name (half, fourth) tells the number of equal parts in the whole.
• Understand that the fraction name (half, fourth) of the set model is a subset of the whole set with equal numbers.
Teaching the Standard
Books
Apple Fractions. By Jerry Pallota. Illus. by Rob Bolster. 2003. 32p. Cartwheel. (978-0439389013) Gr K. Introduce students to fractions using something they should all be familiar with: Apples! Great for introducing the concept of fractions and good for the anticipatory set of your lesson.
Fraction Fun. By David Adler. Illus. by Nancy Tobler. 1997. 30p. Holiday House (978-0823413416) Gr K+. Adler introduces students into the world of fractions using what he calls "pizza math". Using this method he shows how fractions can be more than, less than, and equal to as well as discussing the actual math involved in fractions.
Full House: An Invitation to Fractions. By Dayle Ann Dodds. Illus by Abby Carter. 2009. 32p. Candlewick. (978-0763641306) Gr.K Fun entertaining story to begin discussions on fractions with your students. Can be used for various grade level activities involving fractions as it helps to set a foundation for instruction.
Lessons/Activities/Centerwork
Fractional Flashcards. Print and use these cards in various ways throughout fraction instruction. They are very useful for finding equivalent fractions and for helping with general fractional number sense.
Fraction of an Apple. Here's a lesson on apples that incorporates fractions. Food is always fun for students to use, just make sure you have parent/school approval first.
Lego Fractions. I love using legos in my lessons (maybe because they are so readily available at my house!) so this activity looks like lots of fun to me.
Electronic Resources
Equivalent Fraction Bars. Online manipulative that allows students to start playing with the concept of equivalent fractions. Done in bar form which makes it easy to have students copy pictures into their math journals.
Assessments
Color Fractions of Groups. This page demonstrates students knowledge of part of a group fractions.
Fraction Shapes. This sheet has students drawing in and labeling fractions. They divide different shapes into halves, quarters, and if you're students are up to it, thirds!
One Half. Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of one-half. They show part of a whole and part of a group.