Hello Darlings!

Fractions can be a beast to teach. 

It starts off fun with cutting pizza slices, using colorful manipulatives, and eating ⅔ of a piece of candy…

Then, we add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions…sheesh. 

One way I have found to make tackling fractions much easier is by using real-life activities and experiences to help students understand fractions better. 

Since I am all about incorporating movement into my elementary classroom, I created Fractions Basketball!

To play this super simple, engaging fractions game, students grab a partner, crumple a piece of paper, and make a hoop with their arms!  Bam!  You have a fun, in-door fractions activity!   

Students take turns between shooting baskets and being the basketball hoop.  They record the amount of shots each partner made and the amount of shots they missed in fraction form. Then they would compare the results of the different rounds!

It really doesn’t get much easier than that!

For differentiation, there are different fraction forms students can use. I have included two different recording sheets for comparing fractions.  One requires students to use a tape or strip diagram and the other page requires students to create a number line.

There is even a digital version of this game if you are still doing distance learning or you want a more independent fractions activity or game. If you want students to try this game at home and you are needing a few ideas to create basketballs and hoops, here are a few simple tips and tricks:

• Use a crumpled-up piece of paper as a ball and a bowl as your basket.
• Use a crumpled-up piece of paper and ask a family member to make a hoop by putting their arms out in front of them and making a circle.
• Use a soft or foam ball and use a deep pot from the kitchen.
• If you have a basketball hoop and the weather is nice, use that.

Real-life, fun experiences to learn fractions?

It doesn’t get much better than that!

What are your favorite fraction activities and/or games to use in your elementary classroom? DM me @thatteachingspark on Instagram or tag me in a picture of your favorite fraction activities! I love connecting with fellow educators!