Recent research points to a students’ early understanding of fractions as critical for later success in mathematics. We need to give our students plenty of hands-on experiences with fraction concepts along with meaningful dialogue about what they are learning.

The photo above is an example of developing the idea that fractional parts of a whole unit need to be equal in size.

If you feel the colors of the pom poms will get in the way of learning, supply students with objects that are all the same.

CCSS: 3.NF.1; 3.NF.3; 4.NF.1; 4.NF.3

Other fraction lessons:

Teaching Fractions Using Money
Fractions: Multiplying, Dividing, Simplifying, Equivalence
Multiplication of Fractions: What Does it Mean?