A Part of the Whole

I get a number of requests asking how to help children understand fractions. All too often, when fractions are taught, they're done so in a procedural method. For instance, think about adding fractions: 'make sure the denominators are the same by changing them into equivalent fractions'. Wow, that's a lot of language for a young mind. Is the child capable of visualizing exactly what this means? Probably not. Keep the teaching of fractions concrete by using cake, pizza, fraction circles and bars to ensure understanding is in place.

Here are some excellent resources to help:

• Beginning Fractions
• Finding Common Denominators
• Comparing Fractions
• Adding and Subtracting Fractions

If you're helping a child with fractions, be sure to get to the teacher store and find those fraction circles or bars to help solidify the concept.