Fraction Games for the Elementary Math Classroom
Math Games to Help with Teaching Fractions to Elementary Students
Dec 13, 2008
Each of the following games requires a spinner. Choose one of the following options to make one:
- Cut a square, to the desired size, out of heavy cardboard. Draw a circle to fill the square. Divide the circle into the appropriate amount of sections, and label as directed in the activity. Poke a hole in the middle of the circle, where the four sections intersect. Place a paper clip on top of the hole, and hold it loosely in place with a brad.
- Use an old Twister spinner. Cover the entire surface of the spinner with construction paper, and divide and label accordingly.
Sharing a Pizza
To prepare the game, create the desired number of spinners with the following fractions: 0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8. Next, create pre-sliced pizzas from cardboard:
- Cut a circle out of a piece of white cardboard paper.
- Decorate the circle to look like a pizza, using markers and construction paper.
- Divide the pizza into eight sections with a permanent marker, and cut out the pieces.
- Place the pizza into a pizza pan for a realistic effect.
Once the game is prepared, allow students to play in pairs.
- Instruct students to take turns spinning the spinner. When a child spins, she may take the number of slices equal to the fraction represented. For example, if a child spins 1/4, she may take two slices of pizza. If a child spins 1/8, she may take one slice. Once the pizza is gone, the person with the most slices wins the game.
- When the game is complete, instruct the students to play it backwards. Explain that they got caught stealing pizza slices, and now they have to return the pizza by the amounts that they spin. The first person to get rid of the stolen slices wins.
To assess the students' understanding after game time, test them on these fractions. Have each child write down the amounts of pizza each fraction is worth. For example, ask, "How many slices of pizza are equal to 1/4 of a pizza with 8 slices?" Additionally, assess the fractions with unique scenarios, such as, "If I have 8 suckers and I want to give half of them to my friend, how many should I give away?"
A Math Class Divided
Play this game with the whole class together, using a spinner with the fractions 1/2, 1/3, and 1/6. Begin by demonstrating the game with one group of children.
- Spin the spinner. If it lands on 1/2, the group has to figure out how many children make up half of the group. Half of them (three) should then stand, and the rest of the kids should sit.
- Once the students understand the game, divide the class into groups of 6, and allow the groups to play simultaneously.
- Repeat the game until the children understand and immediately recognize the fractions.
- Play this game several times throughout the fractions unit, using various fractions. For example, use the fractions 1/2, 1/5, 1/10 to play the game.
Once the fractions unit is complete, use these games to continue to review fractions throughout the year. The children will enjoy the opportunity to play the games, and they will be practicing the often difficult concept of fractions.
