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. Here are some ways parents, teachers, and tutors alike can assist kids in navigating fraction math problems.
Let kids cook, but with a handicap. Give kids a recipe and then take away the measurements listed in the recipe, leaving them to figure out the equivalents with what is left. This will help them understand the relationships between fractions and the concept of equivalents. Another good exercise is to have them double a recipe which allows them to practice adding basic fractions.
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Play fraction tic-tac-toe. Before writing an X or O each player must solve the fraction problem in the box they want to claim. Fraction problems may be simple or complex depending on the math level of the student.
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Make 'pizzas' from playdoh to do basic fraction addition an subtraction. Set up problems on a worksheet and have kids cut the pizza to match each fraction in the equation and then count the pieces. This is also a good way to introduce equivalents visually. For instance 1/2 + 3/4 can't be added until the denominators are the same. Visually, if one pizza is cut in half and another into quarters, kids will automatically cut the 1/2 into fourths to create an equivalent. There is actually a fraction pizza board game that can be purchased.
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Emphasize strategy and approach when teaching fractions. Make a list together of each step in the problem solving process. For example, always determine if the denominators need to be the same or not before starting a fraction problem. In addition, always reduce the answer at the end as the final step etc... Fractions have so many different steps in one operation kids get confused. Sorting out the work flow will be invaluable to them.
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Highlight similarities and differences between operations. As an example, addition and subtraction require the same denominator, multiplication and division do not. All fraction answers should be reduced as the final step.
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Be patient and be prepared for lots of repetition. Fractions take a while to get down. Do lots of worksheets and be ready to repeat instructions over and over until it sinks in.
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