Fractions can be a difficult subject for children to master. Montessori Fraction Circles offer a wonderful, hands-on way for your child to see and feel how fractions work. This simple activity is perfect for parents with no Montessori background and can be done right at home using basic materials. If you’re looking for hands-on fraction activities for kids, this one is perfect!
This activity helps children visualize fractions in a fun and relatable way—by creating their very own fraction pizzas!
Step 1: Explore the Fraction Circles: Start by letting your child explore the fraction circles. Encourage them to handle each piece, noting how many pieces fit into one whole. Ask questions like, “How many pieces make up a whole?” and “What happens when you put two halves together?” This part is key for introducing hands-on fraction activities to kids who are still learning the concept of fractions.
Step 2: Draw the Pizzas: On a blank piece of paper, have your child use a pencil to trace the “whole” fraction circle. Explain that this circle is going to be a pizza!
Step 3: Slice the Pizzas: Next, have your child use the fraction circles to create “pizza slices.” Place a fraction circle (for example, 1/2 or 1/4) on top of the paper pizza and trace around it. Then, find one or more different fraction pieces that can complete the pizza.
Step 4: Color and Decorate: Now it’s time to get creative! Let your child decorate their pizza with toppings. For example, they can color one-half of the pizza as “pepperoni” and the other half as “cheese.” If they’ve divided it into fourths, they can add different toppings to each section. Encourage them to say things like, “One-fourth of my pizza has mushrooms.”
Step 5: Talk About Fractions: As they decorate, talk about how each slice is a fraction of the whole pizza. Ask questions like, “What fraction of the pizza has pepperoni?” or “If I ate two slices, what fraction would be left?” This conversation helps make the math real and relatable.
This is one of the many hands-on fraction activities for kids that offers a tactile and visual way to explore fractions. By making pizzas, your child will see how parts make up a whole and will better understand the concept of fractions in everyday life. Plus, they get to be creative and have fun!
For more fun activities, stay tuned to our weekly blog posts, where we share simple, engaging ideas for parents to support their child’s learning journey.
