Love of fractions, here we go! It’s no secret around here that I love all things fractions! Whether it is teaching how to add and subtract fractions or multiply and divide fractions, I love it all! This time around, I’m talking about activities about fractions for 6th graders!
6th grade fraction standards are pretty similar to 5th grade, just adding in the final piece. It’s all about dividing fractions by other fractions in middle school. Now dividing fractions isn’t something to be scared about, on the contrary, most students pick up this fraction standard pretty quickly!
Dividing fractions starts to make the most sense once students have the algorithm down and luckily for them (and you!) it goes pretty quick.
Fractions for 6th Graders
If you are using the Common Core State Standards, for 6th grade fractions it simply reads this:
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving the division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.
All this means is that students can divide fractions by fractions using visuals and the algorithm. They can also apply that skill to word problems.
I usually spend a class period building the visuals to solve dividing fractions. Then the next day I connect the visuals to the algorithm. Last, we practice like crazy!
Fractions Unit Plan
I start my fraction unit by either adding and subtracting fractions how to or jumping into multiplying fractions. Depending on the time I have to teach this unit, I will spend more time reviewing the past year’s concepts. This unit sometimes get’s cut short due to the end of the quarter so I will then just spiral review fraction concepts through morning work or math learning center games.
Since dividing fractions goes back to multiplying fractions, spending time reviewing that skill is key to making the visual and algorithm make sense.
Fractions for 6th Graders Unit Plan Ideas
An example fractions unit plan might look something like this:
- Multiply fractions: notes and partner practice
- Dividing fractions: hands on visual practice
- Dividing fractions: connect visual to the algorithm
- Dividing fractions: practice/math stations
- Dividing fractions quiz
This makes my fractions for 6th graders unit a week. Now I would like to spend more time than that, reviewing prior fraction skills like adding and subtracting fractions. If I have time in this unit, I totally do that! I have also taken each week before a break and just focused on a fraction skill.
For example, at the end of quarter 1 before fall break we practice adding and subtracting fractions. At the end of quarter 2, we take a week and practice multiplying fractions. Then at the end of quarter 3 before spring break we learn and practice dividing fractions. This way my students see all the fraction skills and I can then spiral review fraction skills in the next quarter.
I sometimes like to break up fractions like this so that students don’t get burnt out from learning and reviewing what is often a hard math skill.
Activities for Fractions for 6th Graders
I love using different fraction games interactive versions. These are my tried and true games for fraction topics, meaning that everything I share I have used and love! Bonus points for low prep options!
Division of Fractions Games
This tic tac toe board game is one of my favorites to pull out and use each school year. My students love competing against each other and I love the self-checking practice my students complete while playing. I have talked about my tic tac toe games in depth in this blog post so be sure to check it out if you want to learn more.
Looking to just purchase the game? My Division of Fractions Games is linked here.
Mixed Number Fraction to Improper Fraction Review
This is a skill that students have to learn but seem to really struggle with. I use this game as a way to review simplifying fractions. It’s also a fun one to leave for a sub day or slip into math stations during the year. You can grab the game over in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop.
Games for Fraction Review
Like all things in math, I like to review as much as I can. Whether I use these activities before I start my fraction unit or randomly throughout the year, depends on the topic.
I love using my 4-in-a-Row games as a way to practice fraction operations. Like I said earlier, I try to tackle 1 week of the fractions each quarter. These games are a fun way to break up that week with something exciting. I love that these games are self-checking and are broken up by topic. That way, I can pick the topic that works best for my unit.
Add and Subtracting Fractions Games
Multiplying Fraction Games
Games for Dividing Fractions
Sometimes I use these games as my lesson so every student is playing the game simultaneously.
Usually, I use these games during my math learning centers. Students can be playing this game while I pull a small group of students and another group is working on independent practice and technology.
If you want to learn more about my math stations, I created a FREE 5 Part Video Series where I break down the who, what, when, where, why, and how of math stations. I seriously turned my math block from frustrating to fun and sharing with you exactly how I made that happen! Drop your email below and get the 5 part video series delivered straight to your inbox.
Fraction in Word Problem Games
Another struggle I see in fractions for 6th graders is in word problems. The moment there is a fraction in word problem question, students freak out. So I created fraction word problems for grade 6 game that helps students practice. With real-world problems, students are able to solve a problem AND play a game. This game is also self-checking, and there’s no time limit which means students keep playing until you say it’s time to go.
If you want to learn more about fraction in word problem games, be sure to check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I have a few different options not to mention a bundle of all math word problems games.
If you want to learn more about how to solve math word problems, I have an entire blog post linked here. I also talk more about fraction in word problem games in that blog post.
Additional Fractions for 6th Graders Ideas
I’ve rounded up some additional fractions for 6th grader ideas that are sure to get your creative juices flowing. These blog posts gave me some ideas on how to up the engagement for not only dividing fractions but also multiplying, adding and subtracting. Be sure to check them out!
- How to Teach Dividing Fractions– Maneuvering the Middle
- How to Divide Fractions in 3 Easy Steps– Prodigy Games
- 2 Strategies for Dividng Fractions– Terry’s Teaching Tidbits
- How to Teach Fraction Division…Another Way – Cognitive Cardio Math
- How to Teach Dividing Fractions with Models– Math Geek Mama
- Worksheets for Multiplying and Dividing Fractions– Teachers Pay Teachers
- Multiplying Fractions with Models– Maneuvering the Middle
- 5 Hands On Activities for Adding and Subtracting Fractions– The Math Spot
- Adding and Subtracting Fractions How To – Miss Glitter Teaches
- 7 Tips to Multiply and Divide Fractions – Miss Glitter Teaches
What are your favorite lessons about fractions for 6th graders? Let me know in the comments!
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