Fraction Fun

Room 3 tamariki have been learning about, and understanding fractions. They could identify that fractions are made up of parts/sections/pieces but furthermore each of these are equal or even, as they would say. They learnt that the top number in a fraction is the numerator and tells us how many times the unit fraction is counted. I have noticed though a lot of tamariki refer to the numerator as the number coloured or shaded in, therefore reiterating in class and at home that the numerator is the number of times the unit fraction is counted will help in their understanding of fractions. The bottom number in a fraction is known as the denominator, this number tells us how many parts/sections/pieces the whole is split into.

For example, ¼ means one of fourths/quarters.

Tamariki in our kowhai math group have been learning to equally share objects into 2 groups (identifying halves of objects). Most of the tamariki can identify and verbalise that two halves make one whole. This is evident especially with food. The tamariki told me that sometimes their sandwiches are cut into halves, or they tell the teacher on duty at lunchtime, “I can only eat half my sandwich”. Making connections with math using real life contexts is important in their learning so give it a go at home whānau, I bet the tamariki would love learning about fractions with you.