Dividing Fractions with Models

Many times students want to jump right in and work with numbers. While they may understand a process to come to the correct answer, it is important that they understand what is happening conceptually. When working with fractions, encourage your students to model how to ‘cut apart’ shapes to represent dividing by a whole number or fraction.

Teach Starter has created a match-up activity for your students to practise dividing fractions with models. This resource includes 36 total cards, 12 models, 12 expressions and 12 quotients. There is also a student recording sheet and an answer key.

The cards should be cut apart and ideally laminated or printed on durable cardboard prior to student use. Students should organize their cards by type and begin analysing the models to determine the corresponding expression and quotient. Students can record their responses on the provided sheet and check their work with the key.

The goal of this resource is to practise representing division expressions using various model types and solve for the quotient.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your maths lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided maths groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

To support students further, remove some matches to reduce the workload. The teacher can work one-on-one with students to discuss each model and provide reminders for how to determine what each model represents.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

To challenge students further, set the cards up as a memory match game, and students can add their own matches to the set. Teachers can also set up a gallery walk where a few matches are made incorrectly, and students need to determine the errors.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardboard and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a Teach Starter Collaborator.