Understanding Fractions: A Parent’s Guide

What are Fractions?

Fractions are a way to represent parts of a whole and understand how separate components form a single unit. 

Example: a pizza has 8 slices. If 4 slices are eaten, then there are 4 slices remaining.

Whole pizza = 8 slices (100%)

Half a pizza = 4 Slices (50%)

As shown above using percentages (%) a whole pizza which contains 8 slices is 100%, and if half the pizza has been eaten, then there is half a pizza still remaining which would be 50% 

Common errors when learning?

A common error is the child may struggle to understand that fractions represent parts of a whole, not understanding that parts must be equal, miscounting or visually misrepresenting the fractions when drawing them. The concept of fractions may take time for them to understand, get them to slow down and not rush as well use encouragement and positive reinforcement to help boost their confidence. 

What is the benefit of learning Fractions?

Fractions is the entry to complex mathematics. Understanding fractions early on allows the child to develop problem solving skills by breaking down problems into smaller manageable parts. Most importantly it allows the child to build confidence and a positive attitude when learning math in the future.

How to teach your child at home

Teaching your child at home can be done through cooking  or during snack time:

• Cutting fruit into even slices and trying to divide those slices between yourself and the child.
• Making pizza.
• Baking.