Learning Numerators and Denominators: Games and Activities
It's important that teachers and students use and understand the same terms. When learning about fractions, 'numerator' and 'denominator' are two words that will become essential to your child's vocabulary. You can help your child become familiar with these terms through the games and activities listed below.
How Can I Help My Child Learn Numerators and Denominators at Home?
Fractions have two components: a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). Your child's teacher likely will introduce these vocabulary words at the beginning of the fractions unit and use them during lessons to reinforce their meaning. You should also use these words at home when you're helping your child with homework or reviewing for a test. The repetition of these terms can help your child remember them.
If your child is confusing the numerator and denominator, it could be because he or she doesn't understand the difference between the two. The denominator represents the whole, and the numerator represents a part of that whole. For example, in the fraction 1/4, four (the denominator) represents the whole, and one (the numerator) represents one part of the whole, which is divided into four sections.
Visual aids may help your child to better understand the concept of numerators and denominators. For instance, show your child a cookie and explain that the cookie, as a whole, is the denominator. Then, cut the cookie into four equal parts, and take away one section. Explain to your child that the three pieces of cookie that are left represent the numerator. Thus, the fraction can be written as 3/4.
Games and Activities
Mnemonics
Have your child come up with an association that will help him remember these two terms. For instance, 'numerator' and 'elevator' have the same amount of syllables, and you ride an elevator to get to the top floor. Thus, the numerator goes on the top of a fraction.
Physical Fractions
Have your child stand up. Draw an imaginary line over her stomach. For this physical fraction, her head is the numerator, and her feet are the denominator. She has one head and two feet, so it's like the fraction 1/2. This may be an easy way for your child to remember which part goes on top.
Word Match-Up
Create cards with the words 'numerator' and 'denominator' on them. After explaining the difference between the two, quiz your child using these cards. To avoid too much repetition, you might mix in other suitable math terminology.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
-
The transition from middle school to high school can be challenging and bewildering for some students. Parents can help make this period of great change easier on their children and themselves. Read on to learn more about preparing a child for high school.
-
Children experience behavior problems both in and out of the classroom. Read on to learn about these behavioral problems and what you can do as a parent.
We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In
Huntington Learning
- What Huntington Learning offers:
- Online and in-center tutoring
- One on one tutoring
- Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
K12
- What K12 offers:
- Online tutoring
- Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
- AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Kaplan Kids
- What Kaplan Kids offers:
- Online tutoring
- Customized learning plans
- Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Kumon
- What Kumon offers:
- In-center tutoring
- Individualized programs for your child
- Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
Sylvan Learning
- What Sylvan Learning offers:
- Online and in-center tutoring
- Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
- Regular assessment and progress reports
Tutor Doctor
- What Tutor Doctor offers:
- In-Home tutoring
- One on one attention by the tutor
- Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
TutorVista
- What TutorVista offers:
- Online tutoring
- Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
- Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations