Activity Overview
When students are learning about fractions, a visual aid can be extremely helpful. Fractions show equal shares. Pictures that show shapes partitioned into sections that are not the same size do not show examples of fractions. In this activity, you'll show pictures of shapes that have been equally and unequally divided. In this activity, students will identify whether something is a fraction and then determine what the fraction is.
Allow students to identify the total number of parts in a whole, such as a circle, to find the denominator. The bottom of the fraction, represents the number of partitions (equal shares). Each piece of the whole is therefore one of the whole. Have students guess what to call each part (one half, one third, one fourth etc.) and create a chart together to show the first few common unit fractions.
The storyboard above gives you a great visual aid to use as part of a presentation, and you can turn it into an assignment for students by altering the example and adding to the assignment. The instructions for this are included below. Students can also create their own instructional comic about fractions as an assessment of understanding.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify whether the image shows a fraction (shows equal shares) and if so, identify the fractions that make up the shape.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify whether the shape shown is an example of a fraction.
- If it is, use a textable to label the fraction of the colored section.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
When students are learning about fractions, a visual aid can be extremely helpful. Fractions show equal shares. Pictures that show shapes partitioned into sections that are not the same size do not show examples of fractions. In this activity, you'll show pictures of shapes that have been equally and unequally divided. In this activity, students will identify whether something is a fraction and then determine what the fraction is.
Allow students to identify the total number of parts in a whole, such as a circle, to find the denominator. The bottom of the fraction, represents the number of partitions (equal shares). Each piece of the whole is therefore one of the whole. Have students guess what to call each part (one half, one third, one fourth etc.) and create a chart together to show the first few common unit fractions.
The storyboard above gives you a great visual aid to use as part of a presentation, and you can turn it into an assignment for students by altering the example and adding to the assignment. The instructions for this are included below. Students can also create their own instructional comic about fractions as an assessment of understanding.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify whether the image shows a fraction (shows equal shares) and if so, identify the fractions that make up the shape.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify whether the shape shown is an example of a fraction.
- If it is, use a textable to label the fraction of the colored section.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Identify Unit Fractions
Incorporate hands-on fraction manipulatives for deeper understanding
Gather objects like fraction tiles, paper circles, or everyday items and use them to let students physically partition and compare equal parts. Tactile experiences reinforce how unit fractions represent equal shares and help students visualize denominators in a concrete way.
Model fraction partitioning with real-world examples
Show how to divide common classroom items (like a granola bar or a sheet of paper) into equal parts to create unit fractions. Connecting math to daily life makes fractions more relatable for students and encourages engagement.
Guide students in labeling and discussing unit fractions
Prompt students to label each equal part as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc., and have them explain their reasoning to a partner or the class. Oral explanations build confidence and reinforce understanding of fractional parts.
Create a collaborative class chart of unit fractions
Build a visual chart together that shows shapes divided into halves, thirds, fourths, and so on, with labels. Displaying this chart helps solidify the connection between visual models and fraction names.
Assess understanding with a quick hands-on exit ticket
Have students draw or build a shape divided into equal parts and label one part as a unit fraction before leaving class. Quick assessments provide immediate feedback and highlight who may need more support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identify Unit Fractions
What is a unit fraction and how can I explain it to 2nd or 3rd graders?
A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is any whole number. For example, 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 are all unit fractions. You can explain it as one part out of equal sections of a whole, like one slice of a pizza cut into equal pieces.
How do I teach students to identify if a shape shows a fraction?
Teach students to look for equal shares in the shape. If all sections are the same size, the shape shows a fraction. If any part is bigger or smaller, it is not a fraction. Use visual aids and ask students to compare the sizes of each part.
What is the best way to help students find the denominator in a fraction?
Have students count the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. This number becomes the denominator (the number on the bottom of the fraction). For example, if a circle is split into 4 equal parts, the denominator is 4.
How can I use visuals or comics to teach fractions effectively?
Use storyboards or comics that show shapes divided into equal and unequal parts. Let students label the fractions and create their own instructional comics to demonstrate understanding. Visual, interactive activities help make fractions concrete.
Why is it important for students to recognize equal shares when learning fractions?
Recognizing equal shares is essential because fractions represent equal parts of a whole. If parts are not equal, the shape does not truly model a fraction, which can confuse students when learning to read and write fractions.
More Storyboard That Activities
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