Lesson of the Day 14
Published on: June 11, 2011
This is a fun and educational game to play with children.
Also, check out the free printout for the game.
An Introduction to Fractions using Pie Wedges
Fractions are a Part the Whole
Easy Matching Game
Sector shapes or wedges make an easy fraction game. Cut a pie into even pieces, each piece is a fraction. For example, if you cut a pie into 8 pieces, each piece will be 1/8 of the pie.
Here is an example for you to printout .
Use this printout for the game below.
Pie Game
Cut a plain paper plate or a large circle into even pieces.
You can cut the big circle in the following pieces:
2 pieces (1/2)
3 pieces (1/3)
4 pieces (1/4)
5 pieces (1/5)
6 pieces (1/6)
8 pieces (1/8)
The even pieces (1/2, 1/4, 1/6) are easier for younger children to visualize. Start with introducing the concept of 1/2 and go from there.
Show your child the uncut circle or paper plate. Say, "The is a whole piece." Next cut the circle in half and show them the whole circle and the two pieces. Say," I cut this circle in half. Each piece is 1/2 of the circle."
Show how each half fits on the whole circle.
Play the 3 period lesson using the half circle and whole circle to teach the concept of whole and half.
Next do this activity using the concept of 1/4 (4 pieces) and continue with the 3 period lesson.
Advanced Lesson
Combine the 1/2 and 1/4 pieces together to make the 3 period lesson more complicated.
Complex Fraction Game
Use 2 or 3 whole pie pieces and various fraction pieces, such as 1/2, 1/4, 1/8. Put the fraction pieces in bag and have each child randomly take 3 pieces.
Take turns filling in the whole pic. After each turn, take another fraction piece from the bag. Play until the pieces won't fit.
Play this in teams to make it a cooperative game. It's okay to change the rules of any game to make it more fun!
Everyday Fractions
Sharing half a cookie, banana, or apple is an easy way to show how fractions can be used in everyday life.
Use colored tape to divide a room in half, fourths, sixths or eighths.
Because fractions are part of the whole, you can find fractions almost everywhere.
Links for fractions