Using construction paper, cut different-size strips to represent various fractions such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 and 1/6. Label the strips with the fraction they represent. Randomly hand out the strips to groups of students. Ask the students to trade strips of paper with other groups to make a total equivalent of 1. For example, if a student has three 1/4s strips and another student has two 1/2s along with one 1/4 strip they could trade 1/2 for a 1/4 and then both students would have 1. The group that completes the task first wins. This activity not only teaches equivalent fractions and addition, but communication as well.
Split students into groups of four to five. Using a small waste basket and ball, have students stand a determined distance away from the waste basket and try to throw in the ball. Each time a student throws a ball, they will mark on a chart if they made the shot or missed it. After a few rounds the student will determine their ratio of total shots made to shots taken. Then each group will find the group fraction by adding the individual fractions together. This game helps students understand fractions as they apply to parts of a whole.
Give each student a small bag of colored candy. Ask the students to calculate the percentage of each color in their bag. For example, what fraction is red, green, yellow or orange? Each student will have individual answers to compare with others since the bags will have different color amounts. When the game is over, reward the students by letting them eat the candy.
Give each student two 10-inch tortillas. One will remain whole for comparison. Explain how one tortilla equals a whole and then fold it in half. Ask the students the fraction that each half represents now. Write the fraction on the board. Continue to fold the pieces of the tortilla in half until each student has eight pieces. Write the value of the pieces on the board each time it is folded. Ask the students to make statements about the pieces of tortilla such as 4/4 = 1 and 8/8 = 1.