Ordering Fractions Games for Kids
Many children struggle with ordering fractions -- finding the lowest common denominator, identifying equivalent fractions and ordering them by numerator. Before children can successfully perform these complex steps, they must understand the values of fractions. Practice worksheets can prove frustrating and repetitive, but visual representations of fractions increase comprehension. Games provide an opportunity for kids to build and practice difficult math skills while having fun.
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Beginner to Intermediate Online Games
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These free games offer three levels of difficulty, keeping children engaged in math practice, with no account or login required. "Balloon Pop Math" by Sheppard Software is geared toward younger kids beginning to learn to order fractions. Kids pop balloons with fraction circles in order from least to greatest, with visual examples help children learn the value of fractions.
"Ordering Fractions" from Skillswise offers intermediate practice: Players have five chances to order missing fractions on a fractions ladder, giving them opportunities to correct and learn from mistakes. "Ordering Fractions" from Math Is Fun -- a fast-paced game -- pushes players to beat the clock when dragging a set of five fractions in the correct order.
Card Games
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Easy-to-make card games offer many options for practicing ordering fractions. The parent or teacher writes fractions on one side of a blank 3-by-5-inch card and draws the corresponding shaded fraction circle on the other. Each player gets three or four cards, depending on the skill level. With a timer for one minute, players place fraction cards in order before the time ends. Each player who correctly orders the fraction cards can earn points. For beginning learners, the denominators should stay the same and players should use the picture side of the cards. Intermediate players use the written side and self-check by flipping over the cards. Changing the rules periodically keeps children interested.
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Dice
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Turn math practice into a non-competitive game for beginners and intermediate learners with dice. The player rolls a pair of dice to create a fraction. The number on one die represents the numerator and the other die, the denominator. Kids roll three or four sets of dice at a time to make a set of fractions to order. This game can be played alone, with a partner or in groups. Kids check themselves with diagrams on fraction cards or manipulatives such as fraction circles or fraction bars. Invest in a set of polyhedral dice with greater values for more advanced practice.
Flower Power
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"Flower Power" by Mangahigh provides advanced practice in ordering fractions with percents and decimals. In this ad-free game -- designed for middle or high school students -- the player places flower blooms with fraction values in order on a stem. When the plant is fully grown, the student can choose to harvest the plant for money, or pollinate to create more flowers. Different flowers offer different levels of difficulty. Kids order simple fractions with denominators of 2 and 4 with tulips. Roses and red toadstools provide practice with higher denominators, and have increased value at harvest. The most difficult plants include mixed practice with improper fractions, percents and decimals. "Flower Power" is free and requires no account or login.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit isolated circles graph made from fraction circles image by davidcrehner from Fotolia.com
