Not to be biased or anything, but I much prefer teaching how to multiply and divide fractions rather than my add and subtract fractions unit. There I said it. Multiplication is just my jam and so fractions + my favorite operation just make this unit one of my favorites. Is it nerdier that I have a favorite operation, or that I have multiple favorite math units? If you are looking for how I teach add and subtract fractions check out this blog post here.
Anyway, teaching upper elementary students to multiply and divide fractions can be just as fun, engaging, exciting, and hands-on as teaching anything else. So I go deep with this unit content-wise while still keeping students excited! I’m sharing my favorite tips on how to teach multiplying and dividing fractions.
Tip #1: Multiply and Divide Fractions Using Manipulatives
I love using manipulatives in the classroom as it really brings the math concepts back to concrete. This is a great place to start no matter what grade you teach as even the older kids need a refresher.
I usually start with manipulatives for whole group lessons but then move onto the standard algorithm. Students can always use manipulatives to solve problems whether it is on independent practice or assessments. When I start to teach away from the manipulatives I draw as many connections as possible between the algorithm and the manipulatives. Using manipulatives to teach any type of math really breaks down when the connection between concrete and abstract isn’t strong.
To strengthen the connection, I have students solve with manipulatives and then I highlight the key pieces that will be become the algorithm. For multiplying fraction problems, I use visuals to show the pieces being split and shaded on the same model. This helps students see the sides of the rectangle and what is going on in the visual.
For dividing whole numbers by fractions, the same models apply. Introduce with visuals so students see what is happening. I love bringing in baked goods for this lesson! Nothing helps students see math connections quite like a couple of pans of brownies!
I use learning labs to help introduce both multiplication and division of fractions. We refer back to these labs throughout the unit so students have a common learning experience to refer back to. Curious about learning labs? Be sure to check out this bundle to learn more!
Tip #2: Games for Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
I love to incorporate games into my math learning centers and fractions are such an important skill to practice. So I turn fraction practice into games that engage my students!
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Games like Tic Tac Toe and 4 in a Row become class favorites no matter the skill so I use these as a fun addition to math centers. I also have an activity pack in my TPT shop that has all of my multiply and divide fraction games. Be sure to check it out here!
I like my math games to be self-checking so that students are practicing skills correctly (while having fun!). Both Tic Tac Toe and 4 in a Row have partner answers on them, ensuring that students check with their partner before taking a turn at the game.
If you want to know more about how to create math games that are fun, be sure to check out this blog post with more information!
Tip #3: Build Number Sense with Daily Fraction Worksheet Practice
While I try not to use worksheets all the time in my class, sometimes that’s what students need to practice and keep skills fresh. These ones help to build number sense so I use them as a daily warm-up for math. My fraction of the day set is a perfect way to build number sense daily and it doesn’t take up much time when students are in the routine of it. Spiraling through fraction number sense is good to build up before you start teaching how to multiply and divide fractions. Once that number sense is solid, you can build off that foundation.
This is where I utilize different visuals for fractions. Number lines and rectangular models are great strategies that students can make on their own to help them solve more complex problems. These visuals also help students scaffold their learning and create more independent learners.
Tip #4: Fraction Math Charts for 5th Grade
I try to help my students be as independent as possible in my classroom and one of the ways I accomplish that is through anchor charts. I love making cute charts for whole group lessons but I also want students to have their own version to refer back to.
This is where my math lessons for 5th graders bundle came in handy. This bundle (or just the fraction set) has both posters to trace AND student-sized fill-in-the-blank options for student notebooks.
These charts can be referenced year-round which is especially helpful for spiral review or standardized test prep. Having the steps to solve multiplying and dividing fractions makes students be a little more self-sufficient. Also, their own charts free up that ever-precious wall space in my classroom!
Tip #5: Take Time to Teach Mixed Number Fraction to Improper Fraction Conversions
Converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions is a skill that needs to be explicitly taught to students. This is especially true when learning how to multiply and divide with mixed numbers. Take the day and really focus on this skill. Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up.
Showing mixed number fraction to improper fraction conversions using manipulatives can be a great way to help students understand what is going on. Just like with teaching multiplication and division of fractions, students need manipulatives at this stage of learning too.
Tip #6: Make Multiply and Divide Fractions Fun
Students will take their cue from you, teacher-friend! Fractions are no different, so depending on how you approach them can really make or break you. I tell students that fractions are my favorite part of math (hey a little white lie never hurt them 🙂 and so my students will want to try doing something that’s my favorite!
I love using Project-Based Learning, Escape Rooms, and Room Transformations to help introduce students to fractions. Fractions are SO applicable in the real world so get your creative juices flowing. Baking cookies, cutting pizzas, and sharing brownies, can really get your students engaged AND see how important fractions are in the real world. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love pizza?!
Some of my favorite fun fraction resources are linked down below!
Breaking Up the Bakery: great for all fraction operations
Multiplying and Dividing Fractions Escape Room: a fun option whether you are looking for digital or printable options
5th Grade Fraction Review Room Transformation: be a detective with this room transformation!
5th Grade PBL Pizza Fractions Activity: a PBL + pizza just might make my heart sing!
Tip #7: Focus on Growth Mindset
This could honestly be the most applicable tip with math in general but especially with fractions. Some students will totally get how to multiply and divide fractions. Other students will struggle with it. It’s important to help students know how to persevere and keep trying.
I teach growth mindset at the beginning of the school year, like probably everybody else. But, I also review growth mindset all year long. Just like with any concept, students need a spiral review to keep up the conversation around a growth mindset.
I love incorporating books into my classroom, no matter what subject I teach. My favorite growth mindset books are linked below.
Bubble Gum Brain: hands down my favorite recommendation. I make a poster about bubble gum brain verse brick brain and keep it up all year. I also have a bubble gum brain wall of fame where students can catch each other having a bubble gum brain. Students will fill in a slip of pink paper and write the name, date, and what the other student said/did that showed a bubble gum brain. My students love catching each other persevering and it serves as a reminder to have that growth mindset.
After the Fall: a cute picture book that shows how everything isn’t as it seems, and how to pick yourself back up again
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
Fish in a Tree: This is a chapter book but makes a great read-aloud for students any time of the year. The main character struggles with dyslexia but that doesn’t mean the themes don’t apply to math!
I always make sure that we have a growth mindset lesson before we dive into fractions. I am also honest with students and preface the lessons with a reminder that fractions may be difficult but that doesn’t mean we can’t do them.
Looking for other tips on teaching how to multiply and divide fractions?
These articles are a great starting tool to help you teach these challenging concepts. Remember, fractions don’t have to be scary!
Making Sense of Multiplying & Dividing Fractions Word Problems: This post is perfect for tackling word problems.
How to Teach Dividing Fractions: This post is more geared toward 6th grade as it’s all about fractions divided by fractions but I love the tips Tyne shares!
Multiplying Fractions: This post reads like a lesson so if you are looking for something easy to use in your classroom tomorrow then this is your one-stop-shop!
Need to teach multiplying fractions and need a quick refresher? This video is great for teaching you (and your students 🙂
This video from Khan Academy really helped me understand dividing fractions by whole numbers.
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