Core Ideas 3rd Graders Need

• Fractions are numbers—they live on the number line, not just in pizza pictures.
• Unit fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4…) are the building blocks; equal parts matter.
• Equivalence: different pieces can name the same quantity (2/4 = 1/2).
• Comparisons make sense only with the same-size whole (compare 3/8 vs 1/4 by finding common benchmarks).

10–15 Minute Daily Routine

1. Model (2 min): Build a fraction with tiles/circles; name the unit fraction and the whole.
2. Do (6–8 min): Students recreate on lapboards, label, and write a matching number sentence.
3. Prove (2–3 min): Use tiles to show an equivalent fraction; explain why it’s the same amount.
4. Fluency (2 min): One quick round with the flash-card set (fractions or facts).

Hands-On Activities

1) Build & Compare: Ask learners to show 3/4 and 2/3 with circles. Which is larger? How do you know? Have them justify by covering the same-size whole or using a benchmark like 1/2.

2) Fraction Match-Ups: Lay out tiles for 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8. Students pair equivalents and write “because” statements (same number of eighths cover the same area).

3) Number Line Build: Draw a 0–1 line on lapboards. Place 1/2 and 1/4 with marks; ask where 3/4 belongs and why. Then switch to thirds and sixths.

4) What’s the Whole? Show two fourth-pieces and ask: “If this is 2/4, what’s the whole look like?” Students complete the circle/strip to reason backward from a part.

5) Cover a Recipe: Create a “cookie” whole and ask for 1/3 + 1/6. Kids build, trade for like pieces, then name the result on lapboards (no formal algorithm needed).

Simple Checks for Understanding

• “Show me 2/6 and an equivalent fraction.” (Watch for 1/3.)
• “Place 5/8 and 3/4 on your line. Which is closer to 1? Why?”
• “I have 2/3 of a pan. If the whole pan doubles, what’s my fraction now?”