Introduction to the Fraction Insets

Introduction to the Fraction Insets
Math - Fractions
Level	Primary Elementary
Age	5.5+
Materials	ten metal fraction insets

This activity teaches the child the names of fractions up to tenths.

Presentation

1. "These are called fractions. The word fraction means to break apart."

   

2. "This circle isn't broken apart. It is in one whole piece."

   

3. "This circle is broken in two pieces."

   

4. "With fractions, the pieces have to be the same size."

   

5. "This circle is broken into three pieces that are all the same size."

   

6. Teach the terms whole, half, and third. Do a three period lesson.

   

7. Introduce more fractions and do another three period lesson.

   

8. Introduce the remaining fractions if the child shows interest, or do the rest at a later time.

   

Variations and Extensions

• Food is excellent for demonstrating fractions.

Material

Make Your Own

• Fraction circles could be made from felt:

  

  (For a description of how these were made, see Counting Coconuts.)

Where to Buy

Prices and links checked: 23 January 2022

Introduction to the Fraction Insets
Store	Price
Adena metal	$93.99
Alison's metal	$175.00
Alison's wooden, "premium quality"	$200.00
Bruins	$320.00
Bruins metal	$93.00
E & O metal	$129.60
Hello Wood acrylic	$192.00
Nienhuis	$279.60
Thinkamajigs metal, includes stands	$139.95
Kid Advance metal	$69.99
Montessori Concepts metal with stand	$80.00
Montessori Concepts metal	$54.00
Montessori Outlet wooden, no stand	$53.95
Affordable Montessori (metal)	$129.00
Alison's (metal)	$175.00

Stands for Fraction Insets
Store	Price
Kid Advance	$27.99
Montessori Outlet	$29.95
Nienhuis	$60.05
Montessori Concepts metal	$30.00

Online Resources

Dad's Worksheets Fraction Calculator

Further Reading

• Teaching Montessori in the Home: The School Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock, pages 84-85