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Fraction Activities – 5 Low Prep and Engaging Small Group Ideas

January 20, 2025 by Krejci Creations

Every teacher has a favorite topic to teach, and for me, it was fractions. From basic skills like comparing fractions to more advanced skills with mixed numbers, we got along like peanut butter and jelly—or as the kids say these days, ‘we vibed.’ As a result, my students excelled and performed at the top of my district on fraction concepts.

So, what do I attribute this success to? Three words—small group instruction. If you’ve been wanting to facilitate small groups but need additional support, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m sharing 5 low-prep and engaging small group fraction activities designed to help your students master these core concepts. 

Before we get into specifics, let’s take a moment to explore why small group instruction is not just helpful—it’s a necessity.

Why is small group instruction So Important?

In a perfect world, all students would show mastery by the end of your lesson. However, even the most well-crafted lesson can leave a few students needing extra time and support to truly understand what they are learning.

That’s where the magic of small group instruction comes in. Those “aha” moments—the ones that make everything click—almost always happen during small groups!

Because of this, I never panicked when I noticed students struggling during a lesson. I knew our small group time would give them the focused support they needed to overcome their challenges. 

Small groups also created a safe space for students to ask me questions they might not have felt comfortable asking in front of the entire class. As someone who was once that shy student, I completely understood their hesitation and respected their decision to wait until small groups.

Another benefit of small group instruction is the relationships and connections you build with students. Working closely with them in small groups allowed me to truly understand their strengths, struggles, and personalities. In turn, they felt more connected to me, creating a sense of trust and support that made learning even more effective.

Now that we’ve explored the impact of small group instruction, let’s dive into five simple and effective fraction activities.

Skill #1: Simplest Form

The first small group activity is a simplest form sort. There are two versions of this activity–one that’s a little more basic, and one that’s more advanced.

Basic Simplest Form Sort
One of the challenges students face with simplest form is recognizing when a fraction is already in its simplest form, and this version will help address this area of concern. All you need is a list of fractions (some in simplest form, some not) and basic materials like whiteboards and dry-erase markers or pencil and paper.

If you have a whiteboard behind your small group table, write the fractions for everyone to see. Otherwise, prepare smaller whiteboards or a few sheets of paper with the fractions listed.

Students will draw a T-chart and label one column “In Simplest Form” and the other “Not in Simplest Form.” Their first task is to write the fractions in the correct column. Then, they’ll simplify the fractions that are not in simplest form.

Advanced Simplest Form Sort
The more advanced version can be found within my PowerPoint lesson on Equivalent Fractions and Simplest Form. In this version, students are given a set of fractions in which none are simplified. Their task is to simplify each fraction and sort them into groups based on their simplest form. 

For a low-prep activity, just have students write the fractions directly onto their sorting mat and cross them off as they go. It’s quick, effective, and perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to squeeze in meaningful practice!

simplest form fraction activities

For a more hands-on approach, prepare the fraction cards for students to sort. To reduce prep time, prepare one set of cards for every two students. 

Note: Print the two sets of fraction cards (Set A and Set B) on different colors of cardstock to prevent them from being mixed up.

fraction activities simplest form sort

During this time, ask your students questions that assess and deepen their understanding:

-What common factors are they dividing by? 

-Are the fractions in each group equivalent to each other? Why or why not? 

Their answers to these questions will give you valuable insight into their thought process and level of comprehension. Plus, it’s a great way to spark meaningful discussions and uncover any misconceptions!

Skill #2: Comparing Fractions

The second small group activity is another sort, but this time for comparing fractions to benchmarks. Just like the previous activity, students will need a list of fractions to sort.

There are two ways you can implement this activity.

Option 1: Compare to 0, 1/2, and 1 (teacher-led)
If possible, draw a number line on your small group table and label the points 0, 1/2, and 1. If you’re not able to write on your table, draw a number line on your board or laminate chart paper with a number line drawn. Give students 4-5 fraction cards and have them sort the cards into three groups: less than 1/2, equal to 1/2, and greater than 1/2.

Next, have students take turns plotting their fractions on the number line and explaining their reasoning. For example, a student might explain that they’re placing 6/10 just past the 1/2 mark because 6/10 is only 1/10 more than 1/2.

Encourage the rest of the group to share their thoughts on where the fraction should be placed. They might suggest placing a fraction like 8/9 closer to 1, since it’s only one part away from the whole, or plotting a fraction like 6/8 exactly halfway between 1/2 and 1. 

Finally, have students write three sets of comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =. This approach will spark meaningful discussions and allow you clarify any misunderstandings in real-time.

Option 2: Compare to 1/2 (independent)
Another option is to have students work independently to sort their fractions into three groups: less than 1/2, equal to 1/2, and greater than 1/2. Then, have students compare three sets of fractions with similar (not equal) values.

For example, if they have 4/5 and 7/8 in their greater than 1/2 section, they can compare these two fractions. Similarly, if they have 2/7 and 3/9 in their less than 1/2 column, they can compare these fractions. Comparing fractions with similar values encourages deeper thinking and helps students strengthen their understanding of fractional relationships.

If you’re further into your fraction unit, take it up a notch and have students list the fractions in order from least to greatest, or greatest to least, using comparison symbols. Students can draw a number line if it helps them compare, so encourage them to do so!

 
small group fraction activities compare fractions on a number line

During this activity, prompt students with questions like:

-If both fractions are just one part (or one piece) away from a whole, how can the size of the missing part help you compare?

-Besides comparing to 1/2, what other strategies could you use to compare fractions? Could you draw a model or find a common denominator?

-If two fractions share a common numerator, how does the size of the denominator help you compare?

Side note: I often used the words “part” and “piece” interchangeably, but I found that “piece” really resonated with my struggling students. They could easily relate it to things like pizza or cake, making the concept more tangible and understandable for them.

Skill #3: Model Equivalent Fractions

The third small group activity is for equivalent fractions. This activity is ideal for your first day of instruction when your focus is on using visual models to identify equivalent fractions. Start by having students draw three separate area models, shade the same fraction in each, and then name the equivalent fractions. 

For example, I had my students draw a 2 x 3, 3 x 3, and 2 x 6 area model and shade 1/3 of each model. I made sure their area models were all different sizes. They then wrote the pairs of equivalent fractions: 1/3 = 2/6, 1/3 = 3/9, and 1/3 = 4/12. 

Once they were finished, I asked the question, “Are all of these thirds equivalent to each other?”

fraction activities equivalent fractions concept map

This is an important concept in 4th grade: comparisons are only valid when the fractions refer to the same whole. Since our wholes were different sizes, the answer was no.

A more guided version of this activity is available for free—just click the button below! The difference with this version is the wholes are the same size, so the shaded fractions (1/4) are equivalent. Place this handout inside dry-erase sleeves, and you’re all set for a quick and effective small group activity!

fraction activities for equivalent fractions
fraction activities for equivalent fractions
fraction activities for equivalent fractions
Click here for the freebie!

Skill #4: Generate Equivalent Fractions

The fourth small group activity ties in two skills: generating equivalent fractions and identifying fractions on a number line. Start by using a set of task cards where students first identify fractions on a number line. Afterward, challenge them to generate two equivalent fractions.

In this example, students would first identify the fraction as 3/8 and then generate two equivalent fractions, such as 6/16 and 9/24. It’s a simple and creative way to practice both skills.

These printable and digital task cards are available in my TPT store if you are interested! Click the button for more info.

fraction activities on the number line
Fractions on a Number Line Task Cards

Skill #5: Compare Fractions Using Any Strategy

The fifth and final small group activity is another one for comparing fractions, but this time students can apply any strategy they’ve learned. I used this set of “Would You Rather?” task cards from the TPT seller Teacher’s Take Out, and they were perfect!

To begin, give each student 3-4 cards. One at a time, have students read their card aloud to the group, but have them start by only reading the two fractions being compared, not the “Would You Rather” statement. This will keep the focus on the comparison itself and prevent them from getting distracted by the fun subject matter on the card.

would you rather compare fractions

In this example, a student would read the fractions 1/4 and 1/8, and all students would write down and compare the fractions. 

The student would then read the “Would You Rather” statement, and the rest of the group would circle their fraction of choice. I think we would all circle 1/8 in this scenario! My students loved this activity and enjoyed getting to read the cards. I’m sure yours will too!

compare fractions would you rather

Additional Fraction Resources

So there you go! 5 low-prep, highly engaging small group fraction activities. I hope these ideas help boost your students’ understanding while also strengthening the connections you have with them.

For resources beyond small group instruction, visit my TPT store, where you’ll find an entire category dedicated to fractions. These resources include interactive PowerPoint lessons, activities for choice boards and math centers, and lots of fun games!

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!
-Annamarie

P.S. If podcasts are your thing, Episode 13 of Elementary Math Chat covers small group instruction beyond fractions! Click the link above or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

small group fraction activities

Filed Under: blog posts, Fractions Tagged With: 4th grade fractions, compare fractions, equivalent fractions, fraction activities, fraction concepts, simplest form, small group activities

5 Tips to Build an Effective Lesson Plan in Minutes

June 8, 2023 by Krejci Creations

I remember being so excited about heading back to school. The weeks before were spent setting up my classroom, preparing for Open House, creating class lists, labeling EVERYTHING, and making sure all items on my to-do list were checked off. There was just one problem…

I had completely neglected one of the most important things.  MY LESSON PLANS!!!

So many other things needed to be ready before that first lesson did. But waiting until the last minute, when my head was about to explode from overstimulation and extreme exhaustion, was not a good scenario.

Over the years I began to work smarter, not harder, and it turned planning into something I enjoyed instead of something I dreaded.

Here are my top 5 tips to help make lesson planning a breeze, especially when the craziness of back-to-school rolls around!

Tip #1: Get back to the basics

Remember in college when you created lesson plans for real? While they were great practice, they aren’t practical for teachers to use for every lesson. We can still create effective lessons without the lengthy format. We don’t need to fill out a page-long template to build a strong lesson plan.

Nevertheless, let’s not forget what makes up a great lesson plan and the importance of having a plan. I’m a true believer in what Benjamin Franklin once said, “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail”.

lesson plan framework

All lesson plans need a clear beginning, middle, and end. The Lesson Plan Framework  includes questions and prompts to ensure your lesson plans include all major components.

Full disclosure–I was never a fan of lesson plan templates and am so thankful my administrators never required them. Instead, I used bullet points and jotted my ideas down in an organized list.

Tip #2: Keep a Running List of Resources

lesson plans

It’s easy to get into a routine of doing the same thing for a warm-up activity or using the same type of activity for your small group math center. 

While consistency has its benefits, it’s important to mix things up to keep your students excited and engaged during your lesson. 

Therefore, I recommend keeping a running list of ideas, resources, and activities to choose from.

For example, what websites are good for video clips? Which activities work well for warm-ups/bell ringers? What do students enjoy doing on choice boards? You can then pull from this list when creating lesson plans.

Tip #3: Take Pictures of Your Activities

If you were to glance at my lesson plans, you would see a lot of pictures. I took pictures of my math center every day and inserted them into my digital lesson plan copy. If you think you’ll remember what “multiplication matching activity” means the next year, trust me–you won’t. By placing pictures in my lesson plans, I never had to wonder what I meant the year before.

Tip #4: Collaborative Planning is a Must

My best years of lesson planning were done first in a group setting. It was extremely helpful to talk through the week and make sure everyone was on the same page. We were able to learn each other’s strengths and took on roles that built upon those strengths.

For example, one of us would type up the plans and add hyperlinks to any web-based activities, while the other would look through the previous year’s slides to help us remember what we did. The rest would search on TPT and/or look at our list of resources. This system helped us become efficient and build lesson plans in no time at all!

Tip #5: Don't Start From Scratch

build a lesson plan
Grab the Freebie!

Now, if the thought of putting together a list of activities and resources has you grasping for air, don’t worry! I am sharing my list of 60+ lesson plan ideas to help you get started! There is also room to add your own ideas, because two minds are better than one, right?

Click the button to grab this freebie and get ready to plan your lessons in minutes!

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. Need ideas for structuring a 90-minute math block? Read this BLOG POST!

Filed Under: Back to School, blog posts, Lesson Plans Tagged With: 4th grade math, bell ringers, choice boards, collaborative planning, lesson hooks, lesson plan framework, lesson plans, math centers, purposeful practice, small group instruction, warm ups

4th Grade Test Prep: How to Prepare Students for Success

April 20, 2023 by Krejci Creations

State testing can bring a mix of emotions to both students and teachers. It’s normal to feel stressed, anxious, and worried about these high-stakes tests. On top of that, planning for test prep can bring its own set of challenges. You want to review ALL THE THINGS in a fun and meaningful way…but how? Let’s just say it takes some TEAM-work!

All-Inclusive Test Prep Kit

This 4th grade math test prep kit includes ready-to-teach lessons and activities to use the week before testing. 

It covers almost all 4th grade math standards with an emphasis on the more challenging skills that students need to review.

Whole Group Review Lessons

There are 4 interactive PowerPoint lessons to use for whole group instruction. These review lessons focus on heavily tested skills like multi-step word problems, line plots, and fractions. Students can use dry erase boards or math notebooks to follow along.

Take a look at the video previews below for a sample of each lesson!

Day 1 Skills:

1. Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

2. Line Plots

3. Fractions and Decimals

Day 2 Skills:

1. 2D Figures

2. Measuring Angles

3. Units of Measure

Day 3 Skills:

1. Multi-step Word Problems

2. Place Value Relationships

3. Patterns

Day 4 Skills:

1. Factors and Multiples

2. Prime and Composite Numbers

3. Fraction Comparison and Equivalence

TEAM-Work Stations

test prep activity board

After each mini-lesson, students break into TEAM-work stations that include a combination of independent and partner activities. 

Their goal is to earn as many checkmarks as possible by completing the assigned tasks.

An editable spreadsheet is provided to help group students. The letters E, A, and M are moveable, so you can rotate the letters each day and easily move students to a new station.

What Do TEAM-Work Stations Look Like?

⭐Teacher Check Station:
Your job is to check in with students and help as needed. Your students will be working on challenging concepts, so they will need your help. Because of this, I do not recommend pulling small groups during this time.

test prep teacher check station

✎ When you witness students working hard and staying on task to complete assignments, check the box in their “Teacher Check” column.

 ✎ In addition, you can use this time to check their work for accuracy using the provided answer keys.

⭐Electronics Station: Self-Checking Boom Cards
This is an independent station. Students have 4 sets of Test Prep Boom Cards on the topics listed below.

Boom Cards for Test Prep

Boom Card Decks:
✎ Area and Perimeter

✎ Long Division

✎ Factors and Multiples

✎ Add and Subtract Fractions and Mixed Numbers

⭐At Your Seat Station: Printable Worksheets (all word problems)
This is another independent station. Students have 4 practice worksheets on the topics listed below.

at your seat test prep worksheets

Skills Include:
✎ Area and Perimeter

✎ 1 and 2-Digit Multiplication and 1-Digit Division

✎ Multiplicative Comparisons

✎ Interpret the Remainder

⭐Math with a Partner Station: Printable Worksheets 
This is a partner station. Students have 4 practice worksheets on the topics listed below.

partner math worksheets test prep

Skills Include:
✎ Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

✎ Place Value Relationships

✎ Rounding Whole Numbers

✎ Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers

Additional Test Prep Resources

free test prep posters
Grab the Free Posters Here!

Test-Taking Strategy Posters
Students can become overwhelmed if there are too many test-taking strategies to remember. Therefore, I have students focus on these 5 simple test-taking tips. These posters are included in the test prep kit…but click the button to grab them for free!

Tips For The Teacher

Tip #1: Set high expectations for your students, and make it clear that rushed and inaccurate work won’t earn them a check mark. I did not check the box if there were two or more errors on one activity. I instead circled the box and had students go back and correct their mistakes. Once the mistakes were fixed, they earned their check.

Tip #2: It’s important to set goals for students to work toward. For instance, if they complete 5 activities, they get a piece of candy. If they complete 10, they get a prize from the treasure chest. If they complete all 16, they get extra recess…whatever works for you! This will help motivate students to persevere when things get tough.

More teacher tips are included to help your TEAM-work stations run smoothly!

You Can Do This!

I used these math test prep lessons and activities with my 4th graders for many years and can tell you firsthand how well they work to prepare students! Grab this 4th Grade Math Test Prep Kit now and let the fun begin!

For more information on this test prep kit, check out Episode 32 of Elementary Math Chat and watch my Instagram Reel below to see this kit in action!

I wish you all the best as you head into state testing. No matter the results, you are a ROCK STAR teacher!

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. If you’re interested in even more test prep Boom Cards, my TEST PREP BUNDLE covers all 13 units of 4th grade math. You can also read this BLOG POST for more info!
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A post shared by Krejci Creations | 4th Grade Math (@krejci_creations)

Filed Under: blog posts, Digital Resources, Math Centers, Test Prep Tagged With: 4th grade math, 4th grade math centers, 4th grade test prep, boom cards, math centers, partner math, powerpoint lessons, state testing, test prep, worksheets

Classifying Quadrilaterals: Fun Ways to Learn About Our 4-Sided Friends

March 19, 2023 by Krejci Creations

If you thought Lesson 1 on classifying quadrilaterals was fun, you are in for a treat with Lesson 2! Your students will be engaged from start to finish as they learn about the hierarchy of quadrilaterals by attending a Quadrilateral Fashion Show!

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Original Idea

When I first hosted a quadrilateral fashion show (circa 2005), I literally had students walk a runway (hallway) while holding a giant quadrilateral. Their group was in charge of researching a quadrilateral and presenting it to the class during a “fashion show”.

I sure do miss the days before technology took over. I have such fond memories from this lesson! However, it did take a few days for students to research and create their giant quadrilateral, and then present it to the class. Therefore, I have since moved towards a quicker, more teacher-led fashion show.

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Modern Version

Since the original fashion show was such a hit, I didn’t want to toss it out completely. It just needed some updates to keep my new technology-driven students engaged. 

With this in mind, I took my original idea and gave it a modern twist, filled with interactive and engaging features, all with the help of my favorite models!

Click the play button to see this fashion show in action!

These adorable dot dudes “model” each quadrilateral and prompt students to analyze their attributes. On a recording sheet, students then draw their own model (quadrilateral), label the attributes (right angles, equal sides, parallel sides), and classify the quadrilateral in as many ways as possible.

classify quadrilaterals recording sheet

This classifying quadrilaterals recording sheet comes in three versions with room for 1, 4, or 6 quadrilaterals to a page. 

I prefer using the page with all 6 to allow students to compare and contrast each shape. However, you can place the full-page size in sheet protectors and have students use Expo markers. 

For a fun extension, turn this into a cute bulletin board by having students draw a real-life figure (person or animal) wearing their quadrilateral as a hat, dress, purse, etc. This will definitely bring out their creative side!

Lights, Camera, Action!

classifying quadrilaterals check list

Pair the recording sheet with the PowerPoint and you’ll be on your way to hosting your first-ever Quadrilateral Fashion Show. It will be a lesson you and your students will remember for the years to come!

So, where can you grab this lesson? I’m so glad  you asked!

classifying quadrilaterals fashion show
Click Here

This ready-to-teach lesson is also great for sub plans and includes:
✅ EDITABLE PowerPoint Presentation
(all text is editable)
✅ READ ONLY PowerPoint Presentation
(if no changes are needed)
✅ Printable Work Mat
(full size, 4 to a page, and 6 to a page)

Click the button to view this activity on TPT! 

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. If you missed my previous post on classifying quadrilaterals, be sure to check that out!

Filed Under: Geometry, blog posts Tagged With: 4th grade math, 5th grade math, attributes of quadrilaterals, classify quadrilaterals, geometry, parallelogram, quadrilateral hierchy, rectangle, rhombus, square, trapezoid

Simple 2-Day Plan to Help Students Classify Quadrilaterals with Confidence

March 11, 2023 by Krejci Creations

If you’re looking for engaging and simple ways to teach students how to classify quadrilaterals, you’re in the right place! This topic can get pretty complex and messy, but I have the PERFECT 2-day plan that is simple, effective, and loads of fun!

Throughout this lesson, your students will work together to analyze attributes of quadrilaterals, discuss their observations, and learn all about the hierarchy of quadrilaterals. You’ll even get to take a back seat and allow your students to do most of the work.

Day 1: Attributes of Quadrilaterals

A few years ago, my teaching partner was searching online for a basic lesson on classifying quadrilaterals. We couldn’t just jump into the hierarchy of quadrilaterals without teaching an introductory lesson first. She stumbled upon this activity from Better Lesson, and it was exactly what we were looking for. We made a few adjustments to the original lesson and gave it a shot.

Turns out, it was a HUGE success! 🎉 All of the extra research and work we put into planning this lesson paid off.

So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what this lesson is all about.

The only prep on our end was to print the quadrilateral pages as posters and hang them around the room. If you aren’t able to print poster-size, tape or glue them on anchor chart paper. We divided students into 6 groups (one for each quadrilateral) and gave each group different colored sticky notes.

Side note–I updated the posters to make them more colorful, simply because I like bright colors.

classify quadrilaterals posters

Their job as a group was to write down one thing they noticed about all of the shapes on the poster. Do they all have right angles? Parallel lines? 4 sides? Students wrote down one common attribute on a sticky note and placed it on their poster. I recommend requiring students to take turns writing on sticky notes to avoid any arguments and to make sure all students are participating.

Once all groups were finished, they rotated to the next poster and repeated the same task. However, they could not write down an attribute already listed. This rule forced them to analyze and discuss at a deeper level each time they arrived at a new poster. Because of this, some groups needed my guidance in the end since most of their ideas had been taken.

After students rotated through all 6 posters, we came together as a class and analyzed the results. The discussion that followed nearly made my teacher heart burst! It was rich with academic vocabulary and showed how much they learned about quadrilaterals.

To end the lesson, we recorded our findings in an organized table by checking off attributes of each quadrilateral and highlighting the main attribute that gives them their name. Students kept this checklist in their notebooks to reference throughout the unit. Grab your copy of this checklist by choosing from the half-page or full-page version.

classify quadrilaterals checklist

It’s important to note that we only gave a checkmark when ALL of those shapes shared the attribute. For example, even though some quadrilaterals have right angles, not all of them do. The only attribute all quadrilaterals share is 4 sides and 4 angles.

What I Love Most About This Lesson

My favorite part of this activity was observing how well students worked together and how determined they were to find a unique attribute. They loved being able to move around the room and collaborate with peers. In addition, I enjoyed stepping aside and letting them discover these concepts with their group. Teaching does not always need to follow the “I do, we do, you do” format!

As a result of this activity, students gained basic knowledge of quadrilaterals as well as the unique attributes that set them apart. It was the perfect segue into the next day’s lesson.

If you like this lesson, be sure to read Day 2’s Lesson where students attend a Quadrilateral Fashion Show! Click the play button below for a sneak peek!

https://krejcicreations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/first-half-video.mp4

 

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

 

Filed Under: Geometry, blog posts, Teaching Strategies Tagged With: attributes of quadrilaterals, classify quadrilaterals, geometry, identify quadrilaterals, parallel sides, parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, right angles, square, trapezoid

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WELCOME

Hello! I’m Annamarie- a former 4th grade teacher who loves dogs, yoga, coffee, music, sunny days, and my wonderful husband, Michael. Thanks for stopping by to hear about all things 4th grade math!

 

 

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