2nd and 3rd Grade Fractions Activity

Are you getting ready to dive into your fractions unit? There are many different concepts that students need to learn to conceptually understand what a fraction is before working with “just the numbers.” 

Teach Starter has created a set of task cards you can use with your students while introducing or reviewing simple fraction concepts.

With this set of task cards, students will practice:

• Determining if a shape shows equal parts
• Determining how many pieces a number line has been divided into
• Determining how many pieces make a whole
• Writing unit fractions based on a visual model
• Writing unit fractions that are represented on a number line

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

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

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of task cards to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

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

Consider using hands-on materials to demonstrate equal and unequal parts for students who need support. Students can stack the pieces on top of each other to see if the parts are equal.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage students who need an additional challenge to draw their own number lines to represent different fractions. 

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

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

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock 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 Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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Identifying Fractions – Task Cards

Practice interpreting visual representations of fractions with this set of twenty task cards.

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Equal and Unequal Parts – Basic Fraction Worksheets

Determine if shapes have been partitioned into equal parts with this fraction worksheet pack designed for first and second-grade students.

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Partitioning Shapes – Basic Fraction Worksheets

Identify equal parts and practice partitioning shapes with these fraction worksheets designed for 1st and 2nd grade.