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!
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.
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!
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?”
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
