What Is a Set Model for Fractions?

When teaching fractions, there are a number of different models that require exploration. Students might examine:

• fractions or parts of a whole shape/area
• fractions of lengths/strips
• fractions of number lines
• fractions of a group/collection of objects (sometimes referred to as the ‘set model’).

When solving fractions of a set, students recognise that the ‘whole’ is the total number of objects in a collection and that finding the parts involves counting amounts.

How is this Resource Used?

On each page, students cut out the objects and distribute them evenly to show the nominated fraction in the table provided. They then complete the sentence describing this unit fraction. The table and accompanying sentence descriptor could then be glued into their workbook.

In some examples, 2 different fractions of the same whole number are presented. Encourage students to compare the differences in the size of these parts, e.g. ¼ of 12 pears compared with 1/3 of 12 pears etc.

The following unit fractions are investigated:

• half
• quarter
• eighth
• third.

Give students all the sheets to complete, or simply choose those that suit their abilities.

Take a look at some of our other resources related to teaching fractions below:

teaching resource

Fraction Bars and Number Lines – Cut and Paste Worksheet

Build a fraction bar by piecing together unit fractions and identifying them on a number line with this set of differentiated worksheets.

teaching resource

Fractions of a Collection – Differentiated Worksheets

Differentiated worksheets that focus on fractions of collections.