Activity Overview
Before doing this activity, introduce the vocabulary of numerator and denominator. The numerator is the number on top of the fraction bar that represents a part of a whole. The denominator is the number below the fraction bar that shows the number of pieces or partitions in a whole. Numerator looks a little like “number” (how many) and denominator may remind some students of “name”, particularly if they are familiar with other languages, such as French or Spanish. The denominator gives the fraction its name (eg. fifths), and the numerator tells you how many parts of the whole there are (three-fifths).
In this activity, students will identify the given fractions and fraction pictures by both number and word names. Students can also use spider maps for this assignment, although the template provided uses a T-Chart. Depending on the level of complexity, have students fill in different columns, such as providing them with a few shapes and a few fraction word names and having students fill in the blanks.
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
Practice the multiple ways you can show fractions: the fraction number name, the fraction word name, and as a fraction circle.
- Choose six different fractions. (Denominators can only be 1-8.)
- Type in the fraction number names in the first column.
- Click on the fraction bar to activate the text.
- Type in the fraction word name in the second column.
- Add the correct fraction circle to the third column.
- Fraction circles are located in the shapes category.
- Change the colors of the fraction circles to match the number and word names.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Before doing this activity, introduce the vocabulary of numerator and denominator. The numerator is the number on top of the fraction bar that represents a part of a whole. The denominator is the number below the fraction bar that shows the number of pieces or partitions in a whole. Numerator looks a little like “number” (how many) and denominator may remind some students of “name”, particularly if they are familiar with other languages, such as French or Spanish. The denominator gives the fraction its name (eg. fifths), and the numerator tells you how many parts of the whole there are (three-fifths).
In this activity, students will identify the given fractions and fraction pictures by both number and word names. Students can also use spider maps for this assignment, although the template provided uses a T-Chart. Depending on the level of complexity, have students fill in different columns, such as providing them with a few shapes and a few fraction word names and having students fill in the blanks.
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
Practice the multiple ways you can show fractions: the fraction number name, the fraction word name, and as a fraction circle.
- Choose six different fractions. (Denominators can only be 1-8.)
- Type in the fraction number names in the first column.
- Click on the fraction bar to activate the text.
- Type in the fraction word name in the second column.
- Add the correct fraction circle to the third column.
- Fraction circles are located in the shapes category.
- Change the colors of the fraction circles to match the number and word names.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Multiple Numerators Student Activity
Organize a fraction scavenger hunt in your classroom
Make learning fractions active! Hide cards with fraction word names, number names, and fraction circles around the room. Students search for matching sets and group them together. This activity sparks engagement and reinforces understanding through movement.
Model how to assign teams and set clear rules
Divide students into small groups and explain the objective: find all matching fraction representations. Set boundaries for where cards are hidden and establish respectful behavior. This keeps the activity safe and focused.
Demonstrate how to match fraction cards
Show an example of finding a card with '2/5', a card with 'two-fifths', and the correct fraction circle. Explain how to check for accuracy by comparing the numerator, denominator, and shape. This helps students know what to look for.
Encourage students to explain their matches
Ask groups to share why they think their cards match. Prompt them to use precise vocabulary like numerator, denominator, and fraction name. This builds math language and confidence.
Wrap up with a quick reflection discussion
Gather students together and ask what strategies helped them find matches. Invite them to share any tricky fractions and how they solved them. This reinforces learning and celebrates effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Multiple Numerators Student Activity
What is the difference between a numerator and a denominator in a fraction?
The numerator is the top number of a fraction and shows how many parts are being considered, while the denominator is the bottom number and tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
How can I teach students to identify fractions using both number and word names?
Use a T-Chart to have students write the fraction’s number name in one column (like 3/5) and the word name in the next (three-fifths). Adding visual aids like fraction circles helps connect the two.
What are some fun activities for introducing numerators and denominators?
Try using fraction circles, spider maps, or T-Charts for hands-on practice. Let students match shapes, number names, and word names to reinforce fraction concepts in engaging ways.
Why is it important for students to know both the number and word names of fractions?
Knowing both number and word names helps students improve math literacy, communicate solutions clearly, and understand fraction concepts from multiple angles.
How do fraction circles help students understand fractions better?
Fraction circles give students a visual representation of fractions, making it easier to see how the numerator and denominator relate to the whole and to each other.
More Storyboard That Activities
Introduction to Fractions
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