Presentation

  1. 1

    Take out the halves. Write 1/2: 'The number under the line tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The number above tells how many parts we have.'

  2. 2

    Place the label 1/2 on one half.

  3. 3

    Do the same with 1/3 and 1/4.

  4. 4

    Take out two of the three thirds: 'We have two thirds.' Write 2/3.

  5. 5

    The child labels pieces of several circles.

  6. 6

    Three-period lesson with the labels 1/2, 1/3, and 3/4.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Guide writes a fraction; the child takes out that many pieces.
  2. Child traces pieces and writes the fraction on each drawing.
  3. Order unit fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4) by size using the pieces.

Control of error

The number of pieces in the frame must match the number under the line; the guide checks labels on multiple parts.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Reads and writes 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and their multiples
  • Takes out the correct pieces for a written fraction

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.