Math Fraction Games

Math has always been a bit difficult for our son. He is having a hard time getting the hang of fractions. Is there any way we can help him feel more at home with fractions? -- Fraction Problem
Answer: Children learn early math concepts by manipulating objects like coins and buttons. Do the same thing with fractions, and your son will find them easier to understand. Begin by making fraction pieces together. Cut a paper rectangle 7 inches wide and 10 inches long. Then draw 10 horizontal lines 1 inch apart. Label the top space "1." The next space should have a line dividing the space in half. Each space should be labeled "1/2." The next space should be divided in thirds and each one labeled "1/3." The remaining spaces should be divided into four, five, six, eight, nine, and ten spaces. Label each space appropriately. Make another copy. Have your son paste each copy onto cardboard and cut out the fraction pieces.
Here are some activities for him: He should make fraction trains by placing pieces together. Have him form trains for 2/4, 3/4, 2/5 and so on up to 9/10. Ask him how many fraction pieces he used for each train. Call his attention to the fact that the number of pieces he uses is the same number as the top number of the fraction train and is called the numerator. It represents the number of equal parts in a fraction. Then have your child use fraction pieces -- 1/3, 1/4 and so on up to 1/10 to make trains that are the same length as the ONE piece. For each train, ask your child, "How many fraction pieces did you use to make the ONE piece?" Have him notice that the number of fraction pieces he used to make the ONE piece is the same number as the bottom number of each fraction piece. Tell him this number is the denominator and it represents the total number of parts of the whole, the "ONE," in a fraction.
Have your child learn about equivalent factions by making fraction trains that are the same length as each of these fraction pieces: 1/3, 2/3, 1/4, 3/4, 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 1/6 and 5/6. For more fraction activities, see our book "Helping Children With Mathematics," published by GoodYear Books.