Felt Fraction Common Denominators
Grade Level(s): 3-5, 6-8
Use of felt fraction shapes to demonstrate the concept of common denominators.
(Grades 5-6)
Objectives:
1. Students will demonstrate awareness of the concept of fraction equivalencies
and common denominators.
2. Students will correctly write addition equations which represent demonstrated
felt board equations.
Materials:
Felt board
geometric felt board shapes
chalk board or white board
Plan:
1. Display the fractional piece ½ next to the fractional piece 1/6.
2. What would you call the fractional part which is the sum of these two pieces?
3. Take guesses and restate the appropriate equations.
So, ½ + 1/6 = ______?
4. Conclude that there is no name for the equation.
5. Demonstrate the equivalency 3/6 = ½ by laying the 1/6 fractions over the ½
piece.
6. How many 1/6’s are there in ½ ? (3)
7. Okay, 3/6 = ½. Write equation on the board.
8. Now we need one more 1/6 piece to add to the 1/2.
9. How many 1/6’s do we have in all now? (4)
10. Does this mean that ½ + 1/6 = 4/6 ? (yes)
11. Write equation on the board.
12. Conclude: We express the sum of ½ and 1/6 as a fraction with 6 in the
denominator.
13. Provide felt shapes and have students demonstrate equivalencies and sums.
14. Ask students to write on paper the correct equations for the demonstrated
fraction equivalencies and sums.