Kids start to learn about fractions in first and second grade.
By the end of grade school, many kids understand and can solve basic problems with fractions. Others need more time.
Fractions are a difficult math concept, and lots of kids struggle with them.
At some point, every math student has to learn fractions. And for many kids, this can be a real challenge. Math concepts like fractions are difficult — more so than basic math skills like adding and subtracting.
Young kids first run into fractions in everyday life. For example, you might offer half a cookie, or share a drink by pouring it into two equal cups.
Once kids start school, they learn about fractions in stages. Here’s when kids are typically taught:
Grades 1 and 2: The basic concept of fractions is introduced, with examples like cutting a cake into equal parts.
Grade 3: The teaching of fractions becomes more formal. Kids learn about numerators and denominators.
By the end of grade school, many kids understand and can do basic problems with fractions. Others may need more time and practice to fully understand the concept. It’s common for students to have a hard time with fractions — even kids who do well in math.
In middle and high school, kids continue to learn about fractions. But the work gets even more complex. Students may be asked to multiply fractions, like ¾ × ½, or use variables.
When kids are having trouble with fractions, educators and families should work together to understand what’s happening. Teachers may be able to give kids extra attention or practice with fractions — or teach fractions in a different way.
Dive deeper
A fraction is part of a whole number. Fractions are typically written as one number over another with a line in between — for example, ¼. The number on the top (1) is called the numerator. The number below (4) is the denominator.
The numerator shows how many parts of the whole are taken. The denominator shows how many parts the whole was divided into. So the fraction ¼ means one part out of the four parts.
Kids struggle with fractions for lots of reasons. The most common is that they haven’t mastered basic math skills. These include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
These math concepts build on each other. They’re also connected. To add two fractions with different denominators, for example, you have to multiply or divide to make the denominators the same.
Another reason kids struggle is because they haven’t been taught fractions in a way that works for them. Some kids need to see fractions in a visual way. Others need repetition and practice to let the skill sink in. And some kids benefit from seeing fractions used in daily life.
Trouble with fractions on its own generally isn’t a sign of an underlying math difficulty. But when kids struggle with fractions because they haven’t yet mastered more basic math concepts, it could be something to keep an eye on.
Practicing at home helps kids get more comfortable with fractions. The best approach is to use everyday activities to reinforce the concept. Here are things you can do:
Get back to basics. Practice basic math skills by counting, adding, and subtracting. Start with flashcards to build confidence, then look for things in the real world to use math on.
Find everyday fractions. Lots of everyday objects, like pizza slices, come in fractions. Point this out to kids.
Play with food. Snacks and food are fun tools for practicing fractions. Cut an apple into equal parts, and ask kids to name the fraction.
Cook together. Recipes often use fractions, like a quarter cup or half a teaspoon. Measuring ingredients is a great way for kids to get better at math.
Use coins. Show kids how four quarters or 10 dimes is the same as a dollar.
Try online games. Websites with math games, like Sumdog.com, are a fun way to help kids practice.
Fractions can be challenging for students to learn. Luckily, there are effective ways to teach math to students who struggle. Learn about the elements of effective, evidence-based math instruction. Then take a look at these strategies to help teach fractions:
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