The Homeschool Resource

• Teaching fractions covers standards in grades 1-5.

• Having a fraction party encourages children to learn about fractions while having fun.

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Teaching Fractions

Fractions, or parts of a whole, are generally introduced in the first or second grades as part of their math standards. They are usually introduced as simple fractions such as ½ and ¼; generally represented by models. During the third through fifth grade years children delve deeper into fractions, gaining a greater understanding by ways of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In these years they also learn the definition of denominators and numerators as well as learning how to find equal fractions. Fourth and fifth graders will also start to learn how decimals are connected to fractions. 

Have a Fraction Party

Are you looking for a creative way to introduce fractions, help demonstrate larger denominators, or begin teaching simple fraction addition, subtraction, and equality? Get your kids excited to learn by having a fraction party! Put up decorations and use party hats to really get into the “party” feel. I like to either pick up a few streamers and other decorations from a dollar store or use leftover supplies from past birthday parties.

There are plenty of foods that can be adapted for fraction purposes. Pizza, hotdogs, or cookies are typical party foods that can be easily shown in fraction and whole form. Many fruits like watermelon slices, apples, and tangerines or oranges, are also great visual representations of a whole and fractions. Have your fraction party lesson coincide with lunch so after learning about fractions, you can have a great time eating them.

If you prefer to use paper representations, I have made a Fraction Party set that is available here on my TeachersPayTeachers store.

These pictures are examples of our party with food from my Fraction Party set.

Fraction Party Worksheets

My fraction party worksheets include 12 pages of party-inspired foods, with one food item per page. The fraction sizes go from one whole (1/1) to one twelfth (1/12). You can use these worksheets to introduce fractions or to help your child visualize simple addition and subtraction of fractions. In either case, your child will enjoy the party and the hands-on experience of math. So, get ready to throw a Fraction Party.

These cutouts are part of my Fraction Party set.

Pull it all into a Lesson

.If you are just introducing fractions to your child, I would recommend to only use the one-whole, halves, and fourths to start with. You can either have the fractions already cut or you can let your child cut out the food fractions. Show them how these items can be equally shared such as passing out one piece to each person at the “party”. And how they can be put back together to make a “whole” food item.

            For children ready to learn a little more, cut out (or have them cut out) all of the fractions. One activity you can have them do is to determine which fractions can be equally distributed among the “party” guests. Another option is for you to distribute different pieces of fraction food to each child and them have them work together to make each food item whole again. If you and your child are the only guests, you can make plates of fractions of food and set them around the table. Your child can then work to put whole fractions back together or add/subtract fractions on a plate.

            No matter what fraction’s lesson you do with your child, they will have fun learning while having a Fraction Party with you!

How did your fraction party go? Leave a comment below to let us know.