Visual Equivalent Fractions Game Printable {FREE}

When developing fraction sense, this is an essential part of any fraction unit. When students understand this concept it can help them compare fractions and even order them. It will even help students simplify fractions.

What is it?

Equivalent fractions! And like most concepts, there are numerous ways to teach it. Today I want to share a fun and simple equivalent fractions game printable that incorporates multiple representations.

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

This is a guest post from Rachel at You’ve Got This Math.

Teaching Equivalent Fractions

Visual Models

Using a visual model to teach equivalent fractions is essential. Though there are many ways to do this, I love pulling out pattern blocks. You can find an equivalent fraction to 1/2 in a matter of minutes. How?

Here’s an example:

• First, have the children put down two hexagons.
• Next, have the children put a trapezoid on each hexagon to represent 1/2.
• Finally, have them fill up one trapezoid with triangles.

Now the students can see that 1/2 can also be 3/6.

(If they struggle to figure out the denominator, you can have the students fill the whole hexagons with triangles.)

You can get more ideas for using pattern blocks to work on equivalent fractions here, or model fractions using food (Hershey’s chocolate bars work well 😉 ).

Number Lines

Number lines are another great way to help children visualize equivalent fractions. When you create one number line and then place another directly underneath children can find equivalent fractions. In this example, children can easily see that 1/2 is equal to 2/4!

You may also want to combine these fraction tiles with a number line to help them better connect the ideas and correctly visualize the various fractions.

Get a number line for equivalent fractions here.

Equation

The “traditional” way of teaching fractions is through an equation, and it is still important to teach this while you teach students through number lines and models.

We all know that 1/2 x 2/2 = 2/4, but children need to taught this equation too!

But rather than starting here, help them to “see” and develop their understanding first, then help them to connect the equation to the visual model.

Prep – Work For Equivalent Fractions Game Printable

1. First, print the game board on card stock paper
2. Next, print the game cards and cut them out
3. Finally, gather up game pieces (unifix cubes, beads, etc.) and white board and dry erase marker

How to Play this Visual Equivalent Fractions Game

The game is very simple to play, with two levels.

The object of the game is to be the first player to reach the finish. 

The first board is filled with easy fraction models such as 1/2, 1/3, 3/4, etc.

The next board has fractions that are a little harder like 3/8 and 4/5.

To begin, players draw a fraction card and then have to find the closest equivalent fraction model on the game board.

(I suggest that you have them prove that the fractions are equivalent by having them show a number line, visual model, or equation using their white board.)

If a player draws a picture card, they move to that picture on the board even if it is moving backwards.

It is then player’s two turn, and they follow the same procedures!

Players take turns until they have an equivalent fraction that is not in front of their game piece. They then move to the END space!

The first player to reach the end wins!

Children enjoy practicing and reviewing math concepts with games. They also enjoy challenging each other to “prove” their answer! So I hope they enjoy practicing with this equivalent fractions game printable.

You’ve Got This,

Rachel

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Equivalent Fractions Game Printable!}

Want more equivalent fraction games? Try these:

• Oh No, Fraction Man
• Equivalent Fraction Bingo

Rachel is a homeschool mom to four little ones, ages 2 to 6. She is a former public elementary teacher, and has recently begun blogging at her page You’ve Got This. You can also find her on Facebook and Pinterest.