Equivalent fractions fascinate my students! Having two numbers actually represent the SAME amount is different than anything they have experienced before! Usually, ten just means ten, and any other number means something different. Equivalent fractions can be MIND-BLOWING!
I love allowing my students to explore and practice equivalent fractions! Today I’m sharing 6 of my favorite games and activities that I use to give my students that extra hands-on practice while I meet with my small groups.
Equivalent Fraction Displays
I love visual references for students, so it’s no wonder this is one of my favorites. I also like that it costs nothing and can be a whole group, common math experience around equivalent fractions.
All you need is to cut paper into squares (post-its or printer paper work great, and card stock can be even better for longevity). Depending on the group in front of you, decide how you want to assign or have students select the fraction(s) they will create.
Once students have created their visuals, I ask them to place them on a number line that we have created together. This can be made with clothespins on a string, taped to a wall, placed on the ground, or tacked up on a bulletin board. Whatever you have, it will work.
Students use what they’ve learned about comparing fractions and benchmark fractions to help them navigate our fraction number line and place their fractions accordingly. After, we label the fractions and make a list at each spot on the number line of equivalent fractions that could belong on that spot.
I personally love printing on post-it notes because they’re so easy to move around on the board as we create our display. If you want a FREE set of post-it note templates, you can grab them below!
Free Fraction Post-It Notes
Looking for a concrete way to help your students visualize fractions? Just stick, print, and let your students color in their fractions to create helpful visuals in your classroom!
When we’re done, we have a powerful visual display of equivalent fractions AND it includes having them on a number line!
Rolling Equivalent Fractions
Any chance I get to let students make their own equivalent fractions I take it. In this case, I like that students can use one visual to help them create another!
All you need for this activity is a set of dice (I also have a version with dominoes if you’re a domino lover like me), a crayon/marker/colored pencil, and a photocopy of the activity.
Students roll the dice to create their fraction. They use the left square to create their fraction. Then, they use the right square to create an equivalent fraction by either adding/removing a partition. They finish up by creating a math sentence showing their equivalence.
Another version of this activity focuses on this way to practice equivalent fractions only requires dice or dominoes. However, this activity focused on partitioning the number line than partitioning shapes.
If your students have mastered partitioning shapes, but are struggling with fractions on a number line, this can be a great way to support them!
Clip Card Visuals
MORE VISUALS PLEASE! I love using clip cards for a few reasons, but here are my top two:
- The clothespins provide GREAT fine motor practice
- Having answers to choose from can really support students who are earlier on in their understanding of a concept. It allows them to reason through three possible options, rather than feeling overwhelmed with endless possible answers.
It really should be a top three though, because I can quickly skim the cards to see their level of understanding AND we can correct any errors at the moment without needing an eraser or crossing things out. This can be a big help for students who struggle with their self-confidence.
Equivalent Fraction Bump
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know my students LOVE Bump! Like LOVEEEEEEEE Bump! It’s such an easy and fun game for students to play, so why not make an Equivalent Fractions Bump version, right?
For this version, I use a spinner and depending on which fraction they spin, they get to cover a matching equivalent fraction. This is another great way to help students SEE the equivalent fractions because the visuals are embedded into the game itself!
Equivalent Fraction Dominoes
Sometimes it’s really nice to just have options! Equivalent Fraction Dominoes are great because students can create chains themselves, work with a partner, or play a full game with a small group.
I appreciate that with this activity you can have the activity already prepped, but then take the pulse of your classroom at the moment and see which option will work best at that time. Gotta love versatility and how it supports classroom management.
Magic Square Logic Puzzles
Looking for a fun way to challenge your students? I can’t get enough of magic square logic puzzles because they encourage students to APPLY what they understand about equivalent fractions, instead of just answering questions on a worksheet.
I usually have a bunch of these puzzles (all different themes) available at a center for my students to pick and choose from. They can work on their puzzle independently or with a partner, and then when they’re done, they can start on a new one.
These puzzles are actually available at three different levels, and for multiple fraction concepts, which makes differentiating easy peasy!
ALL of these activities can be found in my Fraction Mega Pack. It’s just under 400 pages of fraction activities including unit fractions, comparing fractions, equivalent fractions, fractions on a number line, as well as improper and mixed fractions. It’s called a MEGA PACK for a reason! Check it out HERE!
I hope these ideas were helpful and you and your students enjoy them!
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