Learning Fractions: Flashcards for Simple Fractions

By Jan K., The Proofer

© Copyright 2008

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It doesn't matter what decade it is, or how much "technology" there is around us, every kid groans when the math lessons turn to fractions. Flashcards can take the drudgery out of the lesson, and can make learning fractions easier---for kids of all ages!

For homeschoolers, making and using flashcards can be two lessons in one!

To learn how to make your own flashcards, for any subject, go to:

• How to Make Flashcards

This illustration shows the first two sets of Simple Fractions flashcards that are included in this tutorial. The link to download the whole set of flashcards is given at the end of the tutorial See Step 5.

This tutorial includes the link to the free printable "Simple Fractions" flashcard that you can download and print, as well as some suggestions for how to use them in a class or homeschool math lesson.

Best option for printing:

• Print on postcards, Avery template #3263. These postcards are available at office supply stores, such as Office Depot (as shown in the illustration to the left). The postcards are heavier paper and come pre-scored for easy separation.

Second option:

• Print on card stock. This is heavier paper than regular computer paper. Cut into four cards.

Other option:

• Print on regular computer paper. Cut into four cards.

Each set of four flashcards prints on one piece of paper. You will need to print the front, and then the back. When you download the folder of printable flashcards, each card has an "a" and "b" file: the "a" file is the front (top left of illustration) of the flashcard and the "b" is the back of the flashcard (bottom right of illustration).

As you can see, the order of the words on side b is not the same as the order of the fractions on side a. This is OK. It needs to be like this so that when you print the b side, the words match the fractions on the a side.

This illustration shows two pieces of paper, only for the purposes of this tutor. You will print both sides of the flashcards on one sheet.

Print the a side first. You then put the a side back into the printer paper tray in order to print the b side on the same sheet. It may take a little practice to determine how to put the paper back into the printer so that the b side prints correctly. I suggest that you do a couple of trial prints using plain computer paper, with the print quality set to its lowest setting (to save ink).

Once you know how to put the paper back into the printer so that the b side prints correctly, then you can switch to postcards or card stock (unless you are printing on regular computer paper).

If you are using card stock, or even plain computer paper, then why not print on colored paper!

This is helpful especially for younger children. Colors may hold their attention longer than plain white paper.

This illustration shows two pieces of paper, only for the purposes of this tutor. You will print both sides of the flashcards on one sheet.

Tip: If you print on colored paper, then at the same time you are teaching the fractions, ask "What color is this?" or "How do you spell orange?" to increase the value of the lesson.

Download the sets:

• Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set A

• Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set B

• Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set C

• Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Complete Set

Tips and ideas for class lessons using the Simple Fractions flashcards are provided below, separated into approximate grade school levels.

There are a total of 15 sheets of flashcards, each sheet has four flashcards:

Set A

Flashcards 01-05:

• 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, 1/9, 1/10
• 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, 6/6, 7/7, 8/8. 9/9, 10/10
• 2/3, 2/4

Set B

Flashcards 06-10:

• 3/4, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6,
• 2/7, 3/7, 4/7, 5/7, 6/7, 2/8, 3/8, 4/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, 2/9

Set C

Flashcards 11-15:

• 3/9, 4/9, 5/9, 6/9, 7/9, 8/9, 2/10, 3/10
• 4/10, 5/10, 6/10, 7/10, 8/10. 9/10
• 2/4 = 1/2, 3/6 = 1/2, 4/8 = 1/2, 5/10 = 1/2
• 6/8 = 3/4, 8/10 = 4/5

Ideas for Lessons

Set A

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set A

Use the flashcards to introduce the concept of how fractions are formatted (a number over a number). Flash the side with the numbers, and say the fraction, e.g., "This is one-half" (for the 1/2 flashcard). Then flip the flashcard to show the spelling, and repeat "one-half" so that the child can begin to associate numerals with words.

For very young children (grades 1-2), keep it simple. You might want to only use the flashcards for the fractions 1/2 to 1/10. After going through the flashcards a number of times, in order, re-arrange the order, and alternate sides so that the child can learn to recognize the fraction in numbers and the fraction in words.

Ideas for Lessons

Sets A and B

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set A

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set B

For grade school children in grades 2-3, start adding in the fractions that have a number other than one in the numerator position (above the line, which is a "vinculum" but that might be too hard of a word for children at this age level). At first, go through the cards in order, such as 1/6, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6. After awhile, re-arrange the cards and alternate fractions and words.

Point out the fact that when the same number is in the numerator position (above the line) and in the denominator position (below the line), then the "fraction" is always equal to 1 (that is, 6/6 [six-sixths] is the same as, or "equal to" 1).

After practicing with 2/2 to 10/10, make the lesson fun, and make up fantastic numbers, like 3,789/3,789 and ask "Is this one equal to 1?"

Ideas for Lessons

Sets A and B

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set A

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set B

For grade schoolers in grades 3-4, mix all of the cards in a bowl or a box. Pull out cards, at random. If the numbers show, have the child write the words. If the words show, then have the child write the fraction in numbers. Check to make sure the child is writing the words correctly, with the hyphen, and the fraction correctly, one number over the line and one number under the line.

When a fraction comes up that is the same number above and below the line, ask "What does this equal?"

Now would be a good time to explain the concept that 4 over 4 is the same as one: When one whole thing is cut into 4 pieces, if you have all three pieces, then you have the whole thing. You can very easily demonstrate this by using an apple. Show the whole apple. Cut the apple in half. There are two pieces. Show each piece separately, and then put the two pieces back together. This helps to demonstrate how a number of pieces can equal the whole thing. Then cut both halves into two pieces so that you have four pieces of apple. Show the four pieces separately. Explain that each piece is one-fourth (1/4) of the apple. Show that flashcard. Now put the four pieces back together to show that all four pieces equal the whole apple. Go back over the fact that when there were only two pieces, those two pieces made up the whole apple. With four pieces, you needed all four pieces to make up the whole apple.

After this, have some fun! You can both have a nutritious snack, and have one-quarter piece of apple each. Enjoy the time together, as well as the apple! When you are done, there will only be 2 pieces of apple left. Ask "Do we still have a whole apple?" You can also show the flashcard for 2/4, and explain that now, there are only two of the original four pieces of apple. This is a great way to have a math lesson...and enjoy a good snack!

Ideas for Lessons

Set C or the Complete Set

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Set C

Jan's Reading Room Flashcards Complete Set

With simple fractions that equal one-half, explain that the object is to find a number that will divide equally into the numerator and the denominator. It must be the same number. For example, for the fraction 2/4, the numerator (2) is divisible by 2 and the denominator (4) is also divisible by 2. When the numerator and the denominator are both divided by 2, this "reduces" the fraction 2/4 to the fraction 1/2.

To help to explain this concept, use the apple example again. Cut an apple into four pieces (that is, cut in half, and cut each half in half again so that you have four pieces, approximately all the same size). Remind the child that all four pieces, 4/4, is equal to the whole apple. Explain that each piece is 1/4 of the whole apple. Pick up  two pieces of apple. Show the child the 2/4 flashcard. Explain that when you have two pieces of a total of four pieces, you have two-fourths (2/4). Now, put the two pieces together. Show the child that these two pieces, put together, are the same as half of the whole apple. Show the flashcard 2/4 = 1/2.

Now, turn the lesson around, and have some fun! Separate the four pieces of apple. Lay the flashcards 1/4, 2/4, and 2/4 = 1/4 on the table. Ask the child to explain to you how 2/4 equals (or is the same as) 1/2. If the child hesitates, prompt by asking, "There are four pieces of apple. What fraction is one piece of apple?" "If I have two pieces of apple, what is the fraction?" Continue prompting with questions, until the child can explain how two of four pieces of apple is 2/4, which is the same as 1/2

Now, enjoy the apple and a glass of lemonade!

Make up more games using treats to help illustrate fractions. For example, buy a bag of pretzel rods. Count out 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10. Demonstrate all the fractions, and work on showing and proving that some fractions, like 5/10, can equal another fraction, or 1/2.
 

If you are enjoying the use of flashcards for your lessons, then you can also make your own flashcards for many other types of math and spelling lessons.

Get a completely illustrated tutorial for making flashcards that print on postcards, card stock, or even plain computer paper.

The instructions are easy enough for a computer novice to follow, and provide the perfect chance to turn making flashcards into another class lesson!

For the illustrated tutorial (along with a set of flashcards for learning numbers 1-10, using the colorful beachballs you see here), go to:

• How to Make Flashcards

Get the links you need, plus teaching tips at:

• Using Flashcards to Teach Numbers

Get a fully illustrated, step-by-step tutorial for making worksheets:

• How to Make Easy Lesson Worksheets

 

This illustrated tutorial or craft may not be used as free content. For free content for your website or in your newsletter go to Jan's Free Content (http://www.jansfreecontent.com).

Jan K., The Proofer owns the copyright on all tutorials and crafts. © Copyright 2005 to present.