3rd Grade Comparing Fractions Game

Looking for an exciting and interactive way to teach your students about comparing unit fractions? 

Teach Starter has developed a simple game that is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of unit fractions and how they relate to one another. The game’s objective is simple – players take turns drawing cards, each containing a unit fraction. The player with the highest unit fraction wins the round and collects all the cards.

The game is a fun and engaging way to reinforce  student understanding of unit fractions while also helping them develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s perfect for classroom use and is best played with 2 players.

To play this activity, shuffle and deal all of the cards, giving an equal amount to each player. Each player flips over their top card at the same time. Whoever has the larger fraction wins both cards and adds them to the bottom of their pile. If both flipped cards are equivalent (equal), then the players “go to war.” This means that each player will flip their next top card to see who has won all of the cards in the play area. Players continue to do this until someone has a larger fraction. The game continues until one player has all of the cards.

This downloadable resource includes fraction models as well numerically-written fractions. The challenge cards that can be added to the deck are those other than unit fractions. These cards are limited to fractions with denominators 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math 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 help students who need additional support, allow them to use a visual reminder of the comparing symbols >, <, and =. Remove the challenge cards from the deck and focus only on visuals first until students feel comfortable.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

A set of 12 challenge cards is included that students can add to their deck as a more challenging option. Students can also create their own playing cards.

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. 

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

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and a 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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