Fractions

I love the pattern blocks for an introduction to fractions. You can buy them at any learning store in the math section, you can download a pattern and make paper ones for free (http://www.teachervision.fen.com/geometry/printable/6175.html). Do a quick search for pattern blocks activities fractions and you'll find a bazillion different activities to do with your kids that relate pattern blocks to fractions.

Ideas with pattern blocks
1. Modeling Fractions:
The hexagon is a whole. Ask your child to tell you how many trapezoids (red pieces) it takes to cover the hexagon (answer: 2). Then name the red piece 1/2. Repeat this process for the parallelogram (blue piece = 1/3) and triangle (green piece = 1/6). Explain that the top number tells you how many pieces you have and the bottom number tells you how many pieces it takes to make a whole. Also tell them that the bottom number could also tell you what shape or size the piece is. Model different fractions for them and ask them to name the fraction. Hold up 3 green pieces - and tell them it is 3/6. Hold up 2 blue pieces and ask them to name the fraction (2/3). Hold up 3 red pieces and have them name the fraction (3/2).

2. Adding like fractions:
Once the kids know the names of the shapes it's easy to model adding like fractions. Show them 2 green triangles and 3 green triangles and ask how many there are. Answer: 5 sixths or 5/6. Then show them that when adding fractions you add the top number (numerator) but not the bottom number (denominator). The number of pieces that fit in a whole does not change, only how many of them you have changes.

4. Equivalent fractions
Show your child 1/3 and ask them how many triangles (1/6) it would take to cover it. (answer 2). Then 1/3 - 2/6. Repeat the process: How many greens (1/6) would it take to cover a red (1/2)? (answer 3) Then 1/2 = 3/6. Model it several times before you decide to move into doing just with numbers.

3. Equivalent fractions - mixed numbers:
Model converting mixed numbers into fractions. Show 2 hexagons and 1 blue parallelogram (1/3). Ask them to write the number (2 and 1/3). Then ask them how many blues (1/3) it would take to cover all of these pieces. Since it would take 7 blues, then 2 and 1/3 equals 7/3. Do several of these with the shapes to show them the concept. If you want to move into the mathematical procedure you can later. Let them SEE it first.