Hands-on Learning of Equivalent Fractions

I enjoyed presenting this activity to Mavi, and he wanted this work even more. We used our Fraction Magnetic Pies and a DIY frame instead of the Montessori fraction insets in this activity. The album that was used here was from The Montessori Parent.

What is Fraction Equivalence?

These are fractions that have the same overall value. Learning how to find the equivalence of a fraction will help the child reduce fractions since we always write fractions using the smallest number. For example, 5/10 is the same as 1/2,  and we always say 1/2 rather than 5/10.

For what Age?

Lower Elementary

Materials Needed

• Fraction pies or Montessori fraction insets
• frame (optional). We  DIY this and is made from a cork board, and I covered it with Hodgepodge
• Paper or notebook for recording
• Crayons or pens

Finding the Equivalence of a Fraction

** In this presentation, I’m showing 1/2 as an example.

Place the fractions in sequence from left to right, from the whole to the tenths (if available). Using the frame, take one-half bit and place it on the right side of the frame. Ask the child to test other fraction pieces that fit perfectly in the space on the right of the one-half.

Here you can see Mavi trying out the one-fourths. He discovered that two-one-fourths could occupy the space. Thus one-half has the same value as two-fourths.

Showing you the difference between the one-third and the one-fourths.

Another work shows the fifths and the sixths.

As an extension work, you could ask your child to record the equivalences, create a booklet or create a chart of fraction equivalence.

Video Demonstration

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