How To Teach Fourth Graders Fractions

Teaching Fractions to Fourth Graders

Reviewing Fraction Concepts

An easy way to review basic fraction concepts is to use a book, such as The Hershey's Milk Chocolate Fractions Book by Jerry Pallota. You can use cutouts resembling a Hershey's candy bar or the real thing. This book reviews fractions up to the twelfths.

Clarifying Numerators and Denominators

Adding and subtracting fractions can be simple once a child remembers the difference between the nominator and the denominator. The top part of a fraction, the numerator, represents a part of a whole. The denominator is the whole that the parts make up.

To help students visualize these words, think of it like a pie. Tell them to imagine a pie that is cut into five slices. Then, write an equation: 2/5 + 3/5 = 5/5. Read it as, 'Two of the five slices plus three of the five slices equals all five of the five slices.' Each slice represents a part of the same whole, which is why they can be added together.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Explicitly teach the rule for adding and subtracting fractions: you can add and subtract numerators, but denominators always remain the same. Reinforce the learning with lots of practice. To emphasize the point, use numbers with a small numerator and a large denominator, such as 1/23456 + 3/23456 = 4/23456.

Multiplying Fractions with Whole Numbers

Show that you follow the same rule for multiplying a fraction by a whole number. Read and write several problems, beginning with 1 x 1/5 = 1/5 and 2 x 1/5 = 2/5. See if anyone can tell what you are doing. Be sure to explain that you multiply the numerator by the whole number.

Practice by doubling or tripling a recipe. Have all the students bring in their favorite cookie recipe and in class, they will calculate how much of each ingredient they will need to make a double recipe. For instance, say a chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for a 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. For a double recipe, multiple 3/4 by two (2 x 3/4), equals 6/4 cups.