We've Got This (Activities and Freebies for Basic Fractions)

Hi all.
So happy to finally have a chance to touch base about some of the learning we've been doing.  Usually the last three or so weeks of the school year are extra busy.  But, something is going on this year that seems to have caused the craziness to hit a bit early.
Even though summer break is on the horizon, I need to slow down time with my young learners.  This year's class is an awesome group of kids.  However, some of them have consistently needed lots of lots of extra work with various math skills.

For the past few weeks, we worked and worked and then worked some more on basic fractions.  And true to form, quite a few of my little sweeties needed plenty of time and practice to grasp the concept of fractions.
Here are some of the resources and activities we used to understand halves, thirds, and fourths...

I used these simple anchor charts to introduce and discuss fractions.  We referred to them often during our fraction unit.  I took them down this afternoon, whole punched them in one corner, and added them to a ring.  They will be in our anchor chart tote for easy access for quick reviews.

If you would like a FREE copy of these anchor charts, click here.

Of course hands on practice is the best way for students to learn about fractions.  One fun activity we did was to use play dough to show fractions of whole shapes.
I made these quick and easy shape work mats.  Students used the mats to help them form each shape.  Then, using plastic knives, they divided the shapes into a specific fraction.
My firsties absolutely loved this activity.  Some of them actually asked to get it out during a rainy day recess.

If you would like a FREE copy of the shape work mat, click here.

In addition to our work with play dough fractions, we did lots of center activities involving fractions.

Students sorted food items divided into equal and unequal parts.

They matched fractional shapes with the correct fraction number.  

They sorted fraction/shape cards depending if the fraction on the card was correct (yes) or incorrect (no way).

They also worked with some print and go activities.  Students enjoyed making flip books to show what they know about fractions.

If you are interested, this flip book, the centers pictures above, and much more are available in my new packet, Fraction Friends {Centers and Printables for Basic Fractions}.  You can click on the picture below or visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store if you would like more details.

What are your go to activities and resources for teaching fractions?  I'd love to know.  I'm always on the look out for great ideas.
Thanks for stopping by.
Best.