Start with relatable story problems. Instead of teaching fractions as abstract concepts, use story problems to give them some basis in reality. For example, write a story problem about pizza that reads, "Tommy and Timmy get a pizza with 8 slices. Tommy eats 4 and Timmy eats 2. How many slices are left for their sister Tammy who is on her way home?" As students complete story problems of this type, they will see that there is concrete application for fractions.
Draw fraction pictures. As you help students complete their fraction problems, have them sketch out pictures so they can better envision what the problem would look like. For instance, in the example problem above instruct them to create circles divided into eight sections each. Give the students crayons and ask them to color the pieces that Tommy ate with one color, the ones Timmy ate with another, and the ones left for Tammy with a third.
Provide the student with manipulatives. Give students something tactile to use when developing their fraction skills. These tactile objects can be simple plastic squares that students can use to represent different parts of a fraction or wooden wedges specifically intended for representing fractions.
Pair learners when they practice. After students have built a better understanding of fractions, step back and allow students to work together with less support from you. Pair students that seem strong with those who are struggling to allow the students to benefit from their differences.
Praise their improvement. A little encouragement can go a long way. As students build their skills, praise them lavishly, telling them how proud you are of them and how much you appreciate their effort. This praise may encourage your learners to work even harder at developing their fraction skills.