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6th Grade Math Activities for Dividing Fractions

Fractions are a challenging math activity for sixth-graders, as they can describe many things and require abstract reasoning. "Keep, change, turn" is the mantra for dividing fractions. Keep the first fraction as is, change the division sign to multiplication and invert the numerator and denominator of the last number. The best way to teach division of fractions is to help kids visualize what's actually going on. Reading numbers on a page and solving problems may be done, but to thoroughly understand the operation, it helps to make a game out of it.
  1. Bake Cookies

    • Bake batches of cookies with a class of students. Then ask one of the children to distribute seven cookies evenly to two students. The student will see that each person will get 3 1/2 cookies. Vary the number of cookies and the number of students, so that the division of the food is represented in a different fraction or mixed number each time.

    Fractions Bingo

    • Make bingo cards that have fractions divided into each other for each space on the card. The answers are left blank. The child has to answer the division problems on his card before the numbers are called. Have the bingo caller announce different fractions instead of whole number answers. The first child to fill up all the spaces on his bingo card wins.

    Construction Paper Pizza

    • Write fractions on a stack of index cards. Tell students these are their toppings cards. Cut out construction paper pizzas, divided into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths and eighths and display these on a table for the class to use. Have each student pick a toppings card from the deck. The student must decide which pizza to put that particular topping on. For example, if the student draws 3/4, she must determine that she has to use the pizza that is divided into fourths for her topping card. The student will then cover 3/4 of the right pizza with whatever she chooses for her topping (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions). The pizzas can then be used as prompts for division problems.

    Online Games

    • Play an online version of Soccer Math at Math-Play.com. Answer division questions correctly, performing the "keep, change, turn" principle of keeping the first fraction, changing the division sign to multiplication and inverting the second fraction. If you provide the right answers, you'll advance players toward the goalpost. Interactive online math games offer vibrant colors, sounds and fun characters. Some use sports themes, while others are set as adventure games where the character progresses in the storyline if your child answers math questions correctly.

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