If you have a visual learner, then it can be awesome to teach fractions with manipulatives to make things easier to understand. I think to understand your children will need a good concept of grouping. This is a great time to get practice with skip counting, which is probably why it’s easier to multiply by 2, 5 and 10’s.
We used math blocks for our counters, but you use anything really, coins, M&Ms or raisins. Food has the benefit of serving as a reward should they get the answer correct. I had little rings so that if I asked my son to make a 4 groups of equal parts, then he could place the counters into the 4 groups. You could use anything really but it just made it more visual.
I also credit Timez Attack for teaching my son to really get his multiplication facts down. They have a free demo version that you can download to try. Not only is my son a visual learner but he’s also a lover a video games so this made learning fun.
We used Life of Fred: Fractions
as a review, I don’t think it works as a teaching tool because there are so little questions at the end of the chapter, there’s 5, but my son enjoyed reading the stories and learning along with Fred since he thought he was very humorous.
I’ve heard great things about Key to Fractions
and if I was having issues this is what I would use next.
If you’re looking for a story book then Full House: An Invitation to Fractions
is a fun read.
If you prefer more sturdy manipulatives you can use these tiles: Fraction Tiles
and Fraction Tower
instead.
If you’d prefer Fraction flashcards
, these are fun. My son doesn’t like writing much so anything that he could do orally is a bonus.
Recommended Fraction Resources
Life of Fred: Fractions
Key to Fractions, Books 1-4Full House: An Invitation to FractionsVisual Fractions: A Beginning Fractions BookLearning Resources Fraction Tower Activity SetLearning Resources Rainbow Fraction Tiles with Tray
&
Get the Fractions Printable Here >>
Once you click on the link, the file will automatically download to the download’s folder on your device.
Don’t forget to check out my printable for Teaching Decimals to Visual Learners.
Selena @ Look! We're Learning! says
Hi Monique! I have a visual learner who’s also struggling with fractions, so this post is right on time! Thanks for linking up with Family Fun Friday!
Monique says
We’re in the same boat.
Kim says
My 6th-grade homeschooler is a smart boy who struggles with fractions and decimals. These fraction tiles will be a great addition to the tools I’m using to help him with these areas. Thanks!
http://simplesciencestrategies.com/preschool-weather-observations/
Monique says
I hope they help, we’ve been struggling for awhile.
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says
Thank you! I have a visual learner and we’ve just started multiplication. I believe these tips and manipulatives will be helpful.
Alison says
These are great tools! Thank you for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Blog Hop! 🙂
Sandy Sandmeyer says
I so appreciate you sharing your post at the #AnythingGoes Link Party. I’m looking forward to what you’ll share with us next week.
Kim says
My son is just starting to learn about fractions. This a great list of tools. Thanks for sharing at Made for Kids!
Tina says
Oh I love this! My kids are visual learners, so this helps a lot. Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday!
Donna says
This is a helpful, and well done fraction resource. Just a heads up, you made my list of the top fraction resources shared on the web. You can see the post here.
http://www.moomoomathblog.com/2016/01/what-can-we-learn-from-most-socially.html
Cheers,
Donna
Monique says
Thanks for sharing!
math jokes says
Thank you for sharing Monique, This is a helpful…
Monique says
You’re welcome!
Precious Leyva says
My daughter is very much a visual learner, and she has been struggling with math. I’ve been wondering what I can do to help her understand math, but in her own way. I had no idea that there were books that could help her understand and visualize problems. We might need to look for some books that will help her to learn and love math.