Developing Fraction Sense: Resources to Get Started

Hi Manoj,

Do your students (especially if you teach upper grades, like 5-8), have a strong fraction sense? What exactly does that even look like?

When I think about number sense, I think of students who are flexible thinkers, who understand numbers and operations in multiple ways and are comfortable with mental math (because they have a flexible understanding of numbers and operations).

Fraction sense means a student has that same flexibility and fluency that come from deep understanding, except as it relates specifically to fractions.

If you teach grades 3-5, you know what a challenge fractions are. And if you teach grades 6-8 you know how frustrating it is when kids come to your class and seem to know nothing about fractions! The gaps in students' fraction knowledge especially begin to show in middle school and can be a tremendous cause of timidity or anxiety in math class.

That's why it is so important that we try to help kids develop fraction sense, rather than memorizing rules or procedures. When kids understand fractions deeply, they can use, compare and apply them flexibly to solve problems. This is easier said than done, though, right!?

Because this is such an important topic, I'm excited to share that I have some resources below all about developing fraction sense, with simple tips, strategies and free printables to help you teach kids to use fractions in a way that makes sense.

But that's not all!

Inside Math Geek Mama+ next month, we will be having a live workshop to discuss the struggles with fractions in grades 5-8 and how to help students deepen their understanding and build their fraction sense through purposeful number talks.

This workshop is happening Saturday, February 3 at 10 am EST. I will be sharing more details next week, but if you know you want to join us for a fun time of learning and working together on fraction concepts, sign up below and mark your calendars!

In case you're unfamiliar, Math Geek Mama+ is my all-access option for teachers in grades 5-8. On the member site, you can access all my printables, google slide activities, games, warm-ups, projects and more, all in one ad-free place.

If this sounds like something that would help take the time and stress out of lesson planning, we'd love to have you join so you can participate in the Fraction Sense Workshop!

>>Learn More & Join Math Geek Mama+ HERE

But even if you don't want to join us inside Math Geek Mama+, you can still find tips and resources to help your students develop a strong fraction sense in the articles below. :)

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Resources to Help Students Develop Fraction Sense:

• Develop Fraction Sense with Benchmark Fractions
• Deepen Understanding with Area Models
• Fractions on a Number Line Clip Cards
• Explore Fraction of a Group with Visual Models
• Make Sense of Fractions with Candy Bars (hands on math fun!)
• Explore Fraction Division with Visual Models

I hope this provides you with some useful ideas if your students are struggling with fractions!

Have a wonderful week!

P.S. We're having a LIVE online workshop about building a deeper understanding of fractions for all Math Geek Mama+ members on February 3, 2024. We'd love for you to be a part of it! Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ HERE!

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