If you’re looking for games and activities to make teaching fractions to kids easier, you’ve come to the right place!
I had the shock of my life when my daughter told me she’d had a lesson on fractions last year. She was only halfway through grade one at the time, and I figured we had a few years before we had to worry about numerators and denominators. I remember struggling with fractions myself when I was in elementary school, and braced myself for tear-filled homework sessions for the remainder of the year.
Thankfully, all that worry was in vain.
My sweet girl LOVES fractions, and when she showed us her fraction skills during Demonstration Night towards the end of the school year, I was pleasantly surprised. Her teacher had written out 3 fraction math problems for her to solve for us and, using various manipulatives and visuals, she breezed through the assignment like a pro.
As it turns out, teaching fractions to kids doesn’t need to be difficult. While it’s an abstract concept that can be tricky to explain, there are heaps of materials you can use to simplify the process. And if you incorporate games and activities to keep things fun, fractions will be a lesson kids actually look forward to!
How to Teach Fractions to Kids
When I first started writing this post, I fully intended on crafting a step-by-step guide on teaching fractions to kids, but as I started researching and working through the various techniques I found online, I realized this is best left to the professionals!
There are so many fabulous resources written by teachers to help make teaching fractions to kids easier, and this post on Ms. Giraffe’s Class is an excellent starting point. The content and lessons within this post are designed for kids in grade one, and help lay the framework for teachers and parents who are new to teaching fractions to kids.
If you’ve already got the basics down – or you’re simply looking for fraction games and activities you can use to help strengthen a child’s understanding of fractions – we’ve curated 20 ideas below.
11 Fraction Games for Kids
Fraction Game with Connect Four | No Time for Flash Cards
If you have the game Connect Four lying around, this is a great beginner fraction game for kids. You can make it more complex as your child gains a better understanding of fractions, and it makes for a great after school activity to keep your little one learning and engaged!
LEGO Fraction Games| JDaniel4’s Mom
If your little one enjoys playing with LEGO, there are quite a few games in this collection that are both fun and educational!
Equivalent Fractions Game of Spoons | Games 4 Gains
Did you ever play the game ‘spoons’ as a kid? It’s a super fun and fast-paced game, and this is a variation that can be played with groups of 3-6 kids to help support their fraction lessons.
No Prep Roll and Cover Fraction Games | This Reading Mama
With 12 games to choose from, this free download is a fun and interactive way to make teaching fractions to kids fun!
Equivalent Fraction BUMP | Math Geek Mama
This is another super fun – and free! – download, and includes 3 equivalent fraction games that are perfect for classroom math centers or for after school homework clubs.
Simplifying Fractions BINGO | You’ve Got This Math
BINGO is always a fun game to play with kids, and this is an awesome idea to help make teaching fractions to kids easier! This game is all about simplifying fractions, and is a great classroom game that can be enjoyed in small groups.
Adding and Subtracting Fractions SCOOT | Teachers Pay Teachers
Have you ever heard of SCOOT? It’s a classroom game that can be used to teach various different lessons, and this collection of ideas on Teachers Pay Teachers will definitely make teaching fractions to kids fun and easy!
Multiplying Fractions on a Number Line Game | You’ve Got This Math
If you’re looking for fun ways to teach kids how to multiply fractions by a whole number, this is sure to be a hit!
Multiplying Madness | Teachers Pay Teachers
This free download is designed for kids in grades 3-5 and it’s a great math center idea. There’s an easier board for beginners, and a more advance option for more experienced fraction aficionados.
Fraction Frenzy! A Dividing Fractions Board Game | Teachers Pay Teachers
Teaching kids how to divide fractions can sound daunting, but there are tons of fraction games available to help them practice. This Fraction Frenzy game on Teachers Pay Teachers is a great option to consider for kids who need to practice dividing fractions and mixed numbers.
Dividing Fractions BINGO | Teachers Pay Teachers
I feel like BINGO makes everything easier, and this dividing fractions game will not disappoint!
9 Fraction Activities for Kids
How to Teach Fractions with LEGO | Teaching Mama
LEGO is a great tool to use when teaching fractions to kids as it offers a visual and helps kids interact and connect with the lesson for better retention. Teaching Mama does a great job explaining how you can use LEGO to introduce the concept of fractions to kids.
Fractions Hands On Activities | Teachers Pay Teachers
Teaching fractions to kids in grade one can be challenging as it’s a totally new concept and pretty abstract! This activity pack is a great option to consider to help kids visualize what you’re trying to teach them while also keeping them engaged.
Fraction Action | Amazon
This set includes 16 activity cards and is a great fraction activity to help kids visualize and understand the concept of fractions. I highly recommend it!
Fractions Dominos | An Apple for the Teacher
This is another super fun way to get kids excited about fractions, and I love that it’s an activity the entire class can enjoy together.
Adding & Subtracting Fractions Color by Number Activity | Teachers Pay Teachers
This is a great independent activity to make teaching fractions to kids fun when you’re stuck inside, and I love that kids can check their own answers. This doubles as a great homework assignment, and can be used on sub days too!
Learning Resources Deluxe Fraction Tower Set | Amazon
I have yet to find a Learning Resources activity I haven’t loved, and this set is no different. With snap-together, color-coded pieces and 12 double-sided activity cards, teaching fractions to kids has never been easier!
Introduction to Fractions Mini Unit | Teachers Pay Teachers
Learning and creativity come together beautifully in this fractions bundle for kids in grades one and two. This pack is interactive, which definitely helps make teaching fractions to kids easier.
Adding and Subtracting Fractions Scavenger Hunt | Teachers Pay Teachers
Scavenger hunts offer a super fun way for kids to work collaboratively, and are a great option when practicing lessons kids find challenging as it helps remove frustration while encouraging team work. This fraction activity on Teachers Pay Teachers will get kids practicing adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators!
Multiplying and Dividing Fractions with Snacks | Jennifer Findley
Teaching fractions to kids at home just got easier with these snack-inspired math problems! Grab some twizzlers and skittles, make a batch of brownies, and enjoy a little after school learning with your child!
I hope these games and activities inspire you to find creative ways to make teaching fractions to kids easier. Remember to use manipulatives and visuals, and to keep things fun!