Fraction Math Games for Children

Deck of Cards

• For a group of three or less, play a fraction game using a deck of playing cards. Depending on the level of the students, you can either leave or remove the Jacks, Queens and Kings. When leaving them in, clarify to the students that Jacks represent the number 11, Queens the number 12 and Kings the number 13. Before beginning the game, make sure each player has a paper and pencil and decide if you'll be practicing division, multiplication, addition or subtraction. Each student takes a turn at choosing four cards and arranging it into a math problem for the group to see. For example, if the student draws an ace, a four, a two and an eight, the math problem could be 1/4 + 2/8. Instruct the students to write down the problem and solve it. The first person to solve the problem correctly gets to keep the four cards.

Recipe Game

• Get the children's attention with a cookie recipe. Find one with at least five ingredients and pass out a copy to each child. Time the children as they half, double, triple and quadruple the recipe. Whoever finishes the fastest with all the correct answers wins. If you're playing the game with only one child, give him several recipes and challenge him to improve on his time with each one.

Fraction Bingo

• When you have a large group of children, playing a game of fraction Bingo can be a way to involve everyone in practicing reduction. You'll have to make Bingo cards in advance. In the Bingo squares write only fractions that are reduced to the lowest possible form. When you're calling the numbers for Bingo, only call numbers that when reduced, appear on the cards. For example, you could call the fraction 12/36, which reduces to 1/3. This game keeps children on their toes and constantly thinking as they work to reduce the fractions you call. Allow them to use paper and pencils to aid in the reductions, but prohibit the use of calculators.