How to Use Fraction Bars

Fraction bars are a fun way to teach children the meaning of and how to use fractions. The different sections of the bar equal one part of the fraction and the whole bar represents 1. It is easy to demonstrate to children the difference between the numerator (the number on the top of a fraction) and the denominator (the number on the bottom), and to then show them the relationship between the two as separated by the vinculum, or the dividing line. You can use the bars as standalone games or as part of your lesson plan.

Things You'll Need

  • Fraction bars strip set
  • Pencils

Instructions

    • 1

      Separate one of the strips from the set of bars and mark it as "Whole." Use a pencil to write the word so you can erase it if needed. This strip represents 1, or a whole unit.

    • 2

      Take another strip to represent the fraction ½. Fold the paper in half lengthwise to create two segments on the strip.

    • 3

      Unfold the strip and label each segment ½. You should also draw a line on the folds to create a boundary between segments.

    • 4

      Make a 1/3 strip by folding a different strip into three equally long segments. Unfold the strip and mark each segment with the fraction 1/3.

    • 5

      Create a ¼ fraction bar by folding a new strip in half then half again to make four different segments. Label the four segments each with the number ¼ and delineate the creases between each segment with a line.

    • 6

      Make 1/6 and 1/8 bars by following the same methods you used for the other bars. Label the six 1/6 segments and the eight 1/8 segments accordingly.

    • 7

      Tell your students to identify which segments fits into the WHOLE bar two times. Follow the same exercise to run through all of the bars then move on to fitting fraction segments into other segments.

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