The concept of fractions is one that children are able to grasp fairly early, especially with manipulatives.  It is possible to begin teaching fractions to students as young as first grade  Teaching fractions with the help of manipulatives is very straightforward and the youngsters will be able to easily grasp the concepts of fractions parts, fractions notation, and even fractional parts of numbers.

Begin teaching fractions with halves and wholes.  Children most likely already have an idea of the meaning of half, since it is a common part of everyday vocabulary they are exposed to.  They may be given half a glass of juice for breakfast, eat half a sandwich for lunch, or walk halfway upstairs.  Explain that to make … Read the rest of this post…