Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Do Fractions for Children

Fractions contain a numerator on top and a denominator on bottom, separated by a horizontal line that denotes division. In a proper fraction, the numerator is smaller than the denominator. That is because the numerator represents a part of the whole while the denominator represents the whole. Fractions can be difficult for children to learn. Using a visual aid that explains the concepts of parts and whole may make the process easier.

Things You'll Need

6 Craft sticks

Instructions

- 1
  Cut one craft stick into 4 equal pieces and place the pieces next to a whole craft stick. Explain to the child that this 1 craft stick equals 4 pieces. Remove 3 of the pieces. Explain to the child that the 1 remaining piece is part of the whole of 4 pieces. Write the fraction 1/4 on a piece of paper and ask what the numerator and denominator represent. Discard the sticks.
- 2
  Cut a craft stick into 6 equal pieces and sit it next to a whole craft stick. Explain to the child that this whole stick equals 6 pieces. Remove 4 of the pieces and ask what the fraction would be. Write 2/6 on the piece of paper. Discard the sticks.
- 3
  Cut a craft stick into 8 equal pieces and place next to a whole craft stick. Ask the child how many pieces the whole stick represents. Remove 7 pieces and ask the child what the fraction would be. Write 1/7 on the piece of paper.

Science