Kid's Activity: Let's Make Fraction Flags
by Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder
What is a fraction anyway?
Learning about fractions can help us understand the world around us -- and be certain to claim our "fair share" of the pie! A fraction is how we express a part of a whole. Some examples are one-half, one-fourth, or one-third. These terms express how many portions one (whole) is divided into. When we cut a sandwich in half, each section is ½. In other words it takes 2 halves to make a whole. When we divide a piece of paper into fourths, each part is ¼. That means it takes 4 of these to make up one whole! What if we divided it into thirds? Can you guess how many thirds it takes to make one whole?
Understanding fractions requires practice. Try these simple methods to help your child become more familiar with fractions and the roles they play in everyday life!
What you'll need:
- Rectangular pieces of paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Markers or crayons
What you'll do:
- Choose a fraction for the day (or more than one)
- See how many different ways the rectangle can be divided to represent that fraction (see example below) Remember ¼ means 1 part of something that has been divided into four equal parts
- Color your flags and display
Ways to arrange ½
Ideas for extending the concept:
- Make small flags, mount on toothpicks and use as flags for a fort
- Substitute circles or squares for rectangles
- Cut food into parts you've studied -- ½ sandwich, ½ apple and ½ glass of milk. A personal favorite -- 1/8 of a pizza!
- Fold a piece of paper into quarters. Read the first ¼ of a book, talk about what happens and draw a picture representing this fraction of the story. Repeat with another ¼
- Don't forget measuring cups! Fill the ½ cup with water and pour into the 1 cup. How many does it take? Repeat using the varied sizes!
We're surrounded by fractions! We use them in recipes, in dividing things equally, in measurements and mny other daily activities. Offer special challenges to your child to spot fractions in the world around you! Who knows -- maybe he'll spy a ½ off sale on pizza!
Julie Snyder is a mom of six, interested in kids, pregnancy, birth, people and lives in the outlying Seattle area. Melissa Jaramillo is mom to many. She's passionate about building, encouraging, and strengthening families on this adventure known as parenthood!
Copyright © Melissa Jaramillo and Julie Snyder. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.
