My son's teacher has "explained" it(I use this term loosely) and he still hasn't quite "grasped on" yet. Any help would be appreciated! Thank-you.
2007-02-01 04:20:42 · 14 answers · asked by SB's cafe 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Fractions are easy! It's just a matter of applying it to real world problems so that they make sense. My kids have all learned fractions from the hershey bar book
http://www.amazon.com/Hersheys-Fractions-Jerry-Pallotta/dp/0439135192
at amazon it's five dollars, I think i paid $10 at Mardel's book store. It is really cool, you start with a whole hershey bar, and break it into pieces. We've never had to go over it more than once.
I wish you luck, just take it easy and don't stress him out over it. I do remember with one of my kids, we used a lot of paper with the hershey...break it into two pieces, then have it on opposite ends of the paper, writing '2' pieces. Then writing 'one piece' on one side and 'one piece' on the other. Each is one piece of two, thus 1/2.
2007-02-01 05:49:35 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fractions! Eeek!
When I was a kid, having a visual helped a great deal. Use pie charts or something like that and shade it parts to show the fraction that is used.
Example. Draw a circle and divide it (like a literal pie) into 8 pieces. Say "the pie has 8 pieces so the bottom number will be eight." then describe how you cut the pie and serve 3 pieces (shade in on piece at a time) then show the difference: 3/8 of the pie were served and 5/8 is remaining.
Hope that helps some.
2007-02-01 04:33:01 · answer #2 · answered by In my humble opinion... 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look at every day events - and don't start by saying we are learning fractions.
Ask him to divide the carrots/sprouts up so everyone in the family has the same amount. Announce at the meal that everyone has a 1/3 share 1/4 share 1/5 share (depending on the family size) of carrots - everyone can count and check they have the same number each. Just for the exercise you could add your share to your sons (clearly pick something he likes to eat) and then say he has got 2/3 or 2/4 which you could then go on to demonstrate he has 1/2 the total amount or 2/5.
While you are out ask him to estimate how much of an object he can see - how much of the car is still in the garage ? How much of a building can be seen ? How full is the shopping trolley ?
Cut up a cake or pie and ask how much is left or how much has gone.
How much of a film is left to run? How many children in his class have blond hair ?
2007-02-01 05:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I teach my kids fractions, I tell them that the bottom number is how many parts all together and the top number is how many you are talking about.
1/2 means you are talking about 1 piece/part/group out of two pieces/parts/groups that are all the same size.
At 7, the only fractions your child really needs to understand and be able to work with would be 1/2, 1/4 and maybe 1/3.
2007-02-01 11:57:58 · answer #4 · answered by marshwiggle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several interactive fraction activities that will help teach fractions at the link below. I do think hands-on work would be better, though. For example, get paper plates and cut and label them in 1/2's, 1/3's, 1/4's, etc. Then, have him divide other objects the same way.
2007-02-01 04:42:28 · answer #5 · answered by Faith 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain what a fraction is first...how pcs of this it takes to make that. then use a pie or use can use a box and put blocks in it but they have to fit equally. You might want to check out a learning store.
2007-02-01 04:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by bubbba2u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rulers and clocks actually help, too. You can break the ruler into quarter inches, half inches, and eighth inches. You can take the clock and break it up into 15 minute intervals (that would be quarters). You can use the paper-folding strategy also. Fold the paper into half, then quarters, and so on. Some kids benefit from the hands-on approaches and everyday tools used.
2007-02-01 09:43:03 · answer #7 · answered by futureteacher0613 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Order a pizza.
Tell them NOT to cut it.
When you get it home, you cut it as needed.
First in 1/2
then cut one side to make 1/3rds
then the other to makes it 1/4ths
and so on.
Then enjoy the "fractions" you've made.
2007-02-01 09:17:30 · answer #8 · answered by sinymom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use manipulatives. Let your child actually touch and move around fractions.
2007-02-01 06:55:33 · answer #9 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take his favorite toy and break it into smaller pieces, then after he is done crying, you can explain to him that this is 1/10 of his favorite toy, and so on.
Ok, just kidding, but I would say be more visual. Bake him a cake, and cut it into pieces, and then you can show him, and feed him at the same time. That way, he can have his cake, and eat it too.
2007-02-01 04:34:24 · answer #10 · answered by George P 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋