Fractions Made Easy: How to Help Your Child Understand

Why Fractions Are Challenging

Fractions require a mental shift. Whole numbers count things. Fractions describe relationships between parts and wholes. This is genuinely harder — it's not just your child!

Common struggles:

Thinking 1/4 is bigger than 1/2 (because 4 > 2)
Not understanding that 2/4 = 1/2
Forgetting what the numerator and denominator mean

Start with Real Life

Make fractions concrete before abstract:

Food: Cut a pizza, sandwich, or apple into equal parts
Time: "Half an hour," "quarter past"
Measurement: Half cup, quarter teaspoon
Money: Quarters are 1/4 of a dollar

The Language of Fractions

Ensure your child understands:

Numerator (top): How many parts we have
Denominator (bottom): How many equal parts total
Equal parts: The pieces must be the same size

Try this: Draw two circles. Divide one in half evenly, one in half unevenly. Ask which shows "one half."

Visual Models

Use multiple representations:

Area models: Shapes divided into parts
Number lines: Fractions as points between 0 and 1
Set models: 3 out of 4 apples

Equivalent Fractions

This concept is crucial. Show that:

Cut a half in half → 2 quarters
1/2 of a chocolate bar = 2/4 of the same bar
The amount is the same, just more pieces

Common Denominators

When comparing or adding fractions:

Find a common denominator
Convert both fractions
Compare or add the numerators

Example: 1/2 vs 1/3

Common denominator: 6
1/2 = 3/6, 1/3 = 2/6
3/6 > 2/6, so 1/2 > 1/3

Practice Regularly

Fractions need lots of practice to feel natural. Try our free tools: