Differentiated Practice for Equivalent Fractions
When differentiating practice for students, start with the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method. It's a powerful teaching framework that helps students understand mathematical concepts step by step.
For teaching the 3 keys students need to understand about equivalent fractions, we use the CRA method to guide students from hands-on exploration to visuals to algorithms just like we've integrated into our differentiated Equivalent Fractions Task Cards resource.
Concrete: Hands-On Exploration with Manipulatives
Begin by providing students with physical tools to explore equivalent fractions. Fraction bars are by far our favorite fractions manipulative. Have students:
Compare fractions visually. For example, show how two 1/6 pieces equal one 1/3 piece.
Fold paper strips into equal parts, such as thirds and sixths, and align them to discover equivalent fractions.
These hands-on activities allow students to grasp the concept of equivalency through tangible, visual experiences. Having these physical experiences with fractions make all the difference in helping students understand everything from equivalence to adding and subtracting fractions later.
Interested in more details specifically for How to Teach Equivalent Fractions? Check out this post.
Representational: Drawing and Visualizing
Once students are comfortable with manipulatives, move to representational activities like drawings of fractions and number lines ... anything that visually represents fractions. Begin with giving students labeled number lines to help identify equivalent fractions. As they gain understanding of the labeled number lines, begin to provide blank number lines and guide students to:
Challenge students with number lines that lack labels, encouraging them to rely on their understanding of equal spacing.
Draw their own number lines, dividing them into equal parts (e.g., thirds and sixths).
Label equivalent fractions and observe patterns. For example, they can mark 1/3 and 2/6 on stacked number lines and notice how the fractions align.
By engaging in these activities, students deepen their comprehension and begin to generalize the relationships between equivalent fractions.
Abstract: Mastering Algorithms and Problem-Solving
In the abstract stage, students shift to reasoning without visual aids. Build on their prior understanding by introducing algorithms for finding equivalent fractions:
Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the same number (e.g., 1/3 × 2/2 = 2/6).
Simplify fractions by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (e.g., 6/9 ÷ 3/3 = 2/3).
Encourage students to explain their reasoning during these activities. For example, ask, “Why does multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number not change the fraction’s value?”
Why Use Task Cards?
These Equivalent Fractions Task Cards resource makes implementing CRA seamless. With three differentiated levels, these cards support students at every stage of learning and include visuals, number lines, and word problems. They can be used in centers, small groups, or independent practice to reinforce concepts while offering opportunities for meaningful discussion.
This resource includes:
Number line activities for concrete, representational, and abstract learning.
Word problems that promote critical thinking.
Differentiation through color-coded levels to meet individual student needs.
With these task cards, you can make learning equivalent fractions engaging and accessible for all students. Ready to try them in your classroom? Check out the Equivalent Fractions Task Cards today!
And if you want to see even more, don't miss our Equivalent Fractions Resource Roundup with so many more classroom-tested and student-loved activities for equivalent fractions.
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