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Fraction wall game

It is advisable for students to have some experience with fraction walls before playing this game.

The Colour in Fractions Game Instructions require two specially prepared dice — one to generate a numerator and one to generate a denominator. These can be easily created by placing stickers on two ordinary dice.

The game should be demonstrated and discussed before pairs of students play against each other.

Students take turns to roll the dice and decide how to colour the fraction on their own blank Colour in Fractions Game Board.

To complete the game, students will need to use equivalent fractions (e.g. colouring \(\frac{4}{8}\) after rolling \(\frac{1}{2}\)).

Students record each turn so their strategies become apparent.

A discussion of strategies following a game will provide the opportunity to clarify and consolidate the concept of equivalence. Repeating the game will allow further development of strategies.

Game board showing one completely coloured fraction wall and one partially coloured fraction wall, and a completed record of the rolls and the colourings made.

A completed game.

An online version of the fraction wall game suitable for computers or interactive whiteboards is available.

There are three levels, the first using only halves, quarters and eighths. Consideration should be given to how students' strategies can be monitored.

Curriculum links

Year 4: Investigate equivalent fractions used in contexts

Year 5: Investigate strategies to solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator

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