Equivalent Fractions

Williams, Flora                      O. A. Thorp
4837 W. Hirsch                       545-0169
Chicago, Illinois 60651
921-5537
  
Objective:

Students will be able to recognize fractions of equal value and that 
name the same amount (number). 
   
Materials:

Paper strips, circles, scissors, paper

Recommended Strategy

Have students fold strips to show halves, fourths, and eighths. Next 
have students cut circles to show thirds, sixths, and ninths. Students 
will then tell fractions that name the same amount by taking the 
fraction strips and measuring. Teacher will ask questions like, "How 
many of the parts on a fourths strip are the same or equal to one 
half"? Have students work in small groups to find equivalent fractions 
given by the teacher. Students will take circles, cut sections and 
match equivalent fractions. 

Give students worksheets with strips and let students shade areas to 
show equivalent fractions. To reinforce fractions, let students play 
Fraction Bingo. Fraction Bingo is played by giving each student a game 
card. A game card has ten squares and each square has a fraction. A 
student may cover a square when the fraction in that square is called 
or an equivalent fraction is called. The regular rules of bingo apply 
thereafter. Another game that can be used is Fraction Rummy. Teacher 
will prepare 40 cards (index cards are very useful) by writing either a 
fraction or an equivalent fraction picture on each card. Each of two to 
four players is given seven cards; the rest are placed in a stack faced 
down. Turn one card face up. A player may take the card that is face up 
or a card from the stack. Every time a card is matched, a player may 
lay the pair down. The object is for one player to play all of his or 
her cards.              
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