3rd Grade Fractions

This resource will help your third-grade students interpret visual representations of fractions and write the fraction each one represents.

The fractions may be represented as a group of objects, an arrow on a number line, or shaded parts of a shape.

Some questions include:

• What fraction represents the yellow apples?
• What fraction of the hexagon is shaded?
• What fraction of the animals are cats?

The fractions included in the activity are:

• halves
• thirds
• quarters
• fifths
• sixths
• eights
• tenths

Through this activity, students will show they can recognize and interpret common uses of fractions of shapes and collections and locate them on a number line.

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

Have students focus on one visual representation type at a time, e.g., the shaded parts of a shape. Once they have solved all these types, move on to the next.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

On the reverse side of their recording sheet, have students create an additional representation of the fractions different from the one used on the task card.

🛴 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 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 each corner and place them on a binder ring. 

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

This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and a Teach Starter Collaborator.