Activities to Teach Students to Compare Fractions With Like Numerators Using Models
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/G911029504-660x400.jpg)
Fractions are an essential concept to teach in mathematics. However, some students may struggle with comparing fractions, particularly when they have like numerators. Comparing fractions with like numerators requires students to compare the denominators. To make this process easier for your students, you can introduce them to various activities and models that help them visualize and understand the concept.
1. Fraction Strips
Fraction strips are strips of paper or card that show the different fractions in a visual manner. To use this method, you can give your students strips of paper that are divided into equal parts to represent the denominators. Then, they can shade in the relevant number of parts to represent the numerator. After that, you can use the fraction strips to compare different fractions with like numerators.
For example, if you give your students fraction strips that show 1/2, 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, and 5/2, they can compare each of the fractions to 1/2. They will see that the larger the denominator, the larger the fraction is.
2. Fraction Bars
Fraction bars are another visual aid that you can use to teach your students how to compare fractions with like numerators. Fraction bars come in different lengths, and each represents a different fraction. They are ideal for teaching the concept of equivalent fractions and comparing fractions with the same numerator.
To use fraction bars, you can give your students bars that have the same numerator but different denominators. They can then lay the bars side by side to compare their lengths. They will see that the bar with the larger denominator is longer than the one with a smaller denominator.
3. Fraction Games
You can engage your students with games that teach them how to compare fractions with like numerators. Games are a fun and interactive way to learn new concepts.
For example, you can create a card game that has fractions with like numerators. The students have to draw two cards and compare the fractions using the models they have learned. The student who has the larger fraction gets a point. Similarly, you can create a board game where students roll dice, land on a fraction, and compare the fractions with like numerators. The student who has the larger fraction moves forward on the game board.
In conclusion, teaching students how to compare fractions with like numerators can be challenging. However, by incorporating visual aids such as fraction bars or fraction strips, as well as playing various games, you can make the learning experience enjoyable and engaging. These activities and models help students understand the concept and build their confidence in math.