I love using games to review fraction concepts. Sometimes, rote practice can become tedious, and using fraction games is a great way to mix things up for both me and my students. Today I’m sharing three of my favorite fraction games that you can use to easily differentiate for any fraction skill your students need more practice with. These games are perfect for using with math centers, early finishers, or test prep.
Fraction Board Games
For this activity, all you need is a set of questions, a basic board game, and some game pieces. I like to use these bright, colorful game pawns, but you can use any small object as a game marker. It’s best to keep the game itself simple, so students can focus on the fraction concepts. Students choose a question card and solve the problem. If they answer it correctly, they can spin and move that number of spaces on the game board.
Scaffolding is built in, so there’s opportunities for students to ask questions if they’re stuck. The goal is skill mastery, so I want students to feel successful as they play. By providing an answer sheet, students can check their partner’s answer as they move through the game board.
Fraction Secret Picture Games
This activity is always a hit with my class! Students have to match improper fractions from their recording sheet to puzzle pieces with a corresponding mixed number. Once they’ve moved all the pieces into the correct place, the secret picture will be revealed! This activity is self-checking, so students can quickly see if they’re on the right track.
It’s also easy to differentiate using a secret picture game. I’ve made three levels of this activity, each with a different number of puzzle pieces. You could also create puzzle games with other fraction skills: students could match a fraction to a model, equivalent fractions, or find a missing fraction in an equation. Simply use a new photo for each puzzle and the possibilities are endless!
Fraction Task Card Games
Task card games are one the most versatile activities I use in my classroom. All you need is a set of question cards and a recording sheet. There are so many ways to use task card games with your students; here are my go-to activities:
- Hidden Questions: Mix up your cards and post them around the room. I like to tape the questions in unexpected spots: in a window, behind a chair, or on a shelf. Most of them should be easily visible but I always place a one or two in a more difficult spot. Students enjoy seeking out the questions and challenging each other to see who can find them all first!
- Partner Showdown: Students flip over a task card and copy down the problem. Then, they stand back to back and work out the problem on their whiteboards. On a count of three, they flip around and show each other their boards. If both have solved it correctly, they can move on to the next card. If they have different answers, they work together to determine the correct solution.
- Scoot: This is a popular game in my class! Place a task card on every student desk and distribute a recording sheet to each student. Students start at their own seat and solve the problem in front of them. When the teacher rings a bell, students have to take their recording sheet and scoot to the next desk. They’ll travel around the room each time the bell rings until they’ve answered every question and returned to their own desk.
Implementation Tips
I suggest storing these fraction games in Ziplock bags or small plastic bins. You can keep them in a box with the skill labeled on the outside, so it’s easy to just grab and go when you’re ready to review a specific skill. However, it’s important to only use these games after you’ve provided instruction on the skill they cover. That way, students can use their notes if they are unsure how to solve a problem.
You can use these fraction games in a number of different ways. They’re perfect for small group work, end-of-the-year review, or to use with early finishers. By storing the instructions along with the fraction game, students can easily grab a game when they have extra time in class and get started right away.
I also recommend spending a little time up front laminating the game boards, puzzle pieces, and question sets. This makes your materials more durable and they’ll last year after year.
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