Grade 6: Comparing Fractions

Warm up with a quick recall on the board. Start with fair sharing of one whole into equal parts, name unit fractions, then build non-unit and equivalent fractions with fraction strips.

A fraction shows part of a whole. Children first name fractions from shaded shapes, then compare and operate on them. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Start with shaded shapes so part-whole is visual.
• Name fractions, then compare ones with the same denominator.
• Introduce equivalent fractions with diagrams.
• Only then add, subtract and simplify.

Do the first few questions of the practice worksheet together, one child explaining each step. Check for understanding before releasing the class to work alone.

Students complete the worksheet independently. Hand out the three difficulty levels below so every child works at the right stretch.

Circulate and look for these, they are the usual sticking points:

• Thinking a bigger denominator means a bigger fraction.
• Adding denominators when adding fractions.
• Not relating fractions to division.
• Forgetting the parts must be equal, and thinking a larger denominator always means a larger fraction.

Pull the class back together. Ask one child to explain comparing fractions in their own words, pose a single check question everyone answers on a mini whiteboard, and name what you will build on next lesson.

Use the independent worksheet as the evidence. A child who can complete it accurately and explain one answer has met the objective; anyone who cannot needs the easier level and a short reteach next session.