BLOG 3 - Learning Fractions

Fractions are tricky. Adding fractions can involve multiplication, division, and subtraction. Because of all the steps and diverse operations, kids get lost and confused very easily. Fractions are basic math, but are likely the first time kids are asked to do multiple operations at once. Sequencing the work and understanding what the math actually means can be difficult for kids. Teacher need to emphasize strategy and approach when teaching fractions. Fractions have so many different steps in one operation kids get confused. Sorting out the work flow will be invaluable to them. Teacher have to be patient and be prepared for lots of repetition. Fractions take a while to get down.

Children sometimes cringe at the thought of learning fractions. The way they are written makes them appear to be much more difficult than they are. With some basic shapes and construction paper, basic fractions can be easily taught and understood. Using something that can be easily divided into 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/3 is a great way to teach children fractions, because they can easily relate to the division of something for the purpose of sharing it out among their friends. Using coloured pieces of paper, show the kids how to make fraction strips from the paper. On a whole sheet write "whole." Divide one sheet in half and write half or 1/2 on each piece. Continue for all the main fractions. Making a pizza with the children also help them to understand the use of fractions such as cutting eight slices and then show the kids how two pieces equal one-fourth (1/4) of the pizza etc.

Children love to learn through doing. Cooking helps them remember math skills. Take every opportunity you see and make them learning experiences until the children thoroughly understands fractions. To make it easier, teacher can use a few different methods to illustrate fractions and help children grasp the idea that a fraction shows a certain number of parts out of a whole.