Unit Fractions Teaching Resources
Explore unit fractions worksheets, games and more printable and digital teacher resources — all created for Aussie teachers!
Whether you're teaching students about ordering unit fractions or explaining how to compare them, this collection of Australian maths curriculum-aligned resources will help you plan your lessons.
What is a unit fraction? How do you teach this maths concept? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including unit fraction examples.
What Are the Numerator and Denominator of a Fraction? Kid-Friendly Definitions
Before we can get into teaching kids unit fractions, it's important that our students understand the different numbers that make up a fraction. Here's how to explain those parts to your students!
Every fraction has two numbers divided by a simple line called the vinculum. These numbers are called the numerator and the denominator of a fraction.
- A numerator is the number on top of the fraction line. This number represents the number of parts we have or are dealing with.
- A denominator is the number on the bottom of the fraction, below the fraction line. This number represents how many parts make up a whole.
Understanding the difference between these two basic parts of a fraction sets the stage for students to now identify unit fractions!
What Is a Unit Fraction? A Kid-Friendly Definition
Here's a simple unit fraction definition for you to share with your students:
A unit fraction is a fraction whose numerator is 1 and whose denominator is a positive integer. In other words? It's a single fractional part!
For example, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc., are all unit fractions. Unit fractions are also examples of proper fractions, which are always less than 1 in value.
Teaching How to Order Unit Fractions
Teaching students how to order unit fractions is a great way to help them understand the relative size of different fractions. By listing unit fractions in order from least to greatest or vice versa, kids learn that a smaller denominator leads to a larger fraction.
The easiest way to order unit fractions requires students to look at the denominators.
Because we know that the smaller the denominator is, the larger the fraction is, students can use that bottom number to guide placing the various unit fractions in order.
For example, let's say you want to order the following fractions from least to greatest:
1/3, 1/5, 1/2 and 1/8
Because the smaller denominator creates the largest number, the denominators are placed in reverse numerical order, creating this ordered list:
1/8, 1/5, 1/3, 1/2
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Unit Fractions Worksheet Pack
Practise unit fractions with this set of seven worksheets with answer sheets.
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Unit Fractions Game Show Interactive
Play a game of unit fractions with your students with this fun engaging interactive slide deck.
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Decomposing Fractions – Hands-On Activity
Break apart fractions and represent them with fraction strips with this differentiated hands-on activity.
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Simple Fractions – Task Cards
Identify unit fractions on a number line, aim to understand fraction models and discover dividing shapes into equal parts with this free set of 24 task cards.
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Unit Fraction & Whole Number Division Models – Match-Up Activity
Practise how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number and divide a whole number by a unit fraction with this match-up activity.
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Fraction Robot Template
Build a robot using these fraction shapes for a fun activity to do with your students when learning about unit fractions.
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Unit Fraction Flipbook
Engage with different unit fractions using this fun interactive flipbook for your students.
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Unit Fraction Sort
Explore different images of unit fractions with your students in this unit fraction sorting activity with fraction word and fraction heading cards.
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Unit Fraction Task Cards
Explore all there is to know about unit fractions with this set of unit fraction task cards, perfect for maths rotations.
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Unit Fractions Kaboom Game
Practise unit fractions with this fun whole class Kaboom card game.
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Unit Fraction Flowers Craft Activity
Construct unit fraction flowers and discover different ways unit fractions can occur.
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Unit Fraction Fairy Bread Matching Activity
Sort and match fairy bread model cards to the corresponding unit fraction cards.
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Build a Pizza! Unit Fraction Game
Practise unit fraction with this fun ‘make a pizza’ game to be played in pairs or small groups.
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Unit Fraction Bingo
Play a game of Bingo with your students to help with their knowledge of unit fractions.
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Fraction Circles and Suggested Activities Sheet
Teach the concept of fractions in a visual way with this set of fraction wheel templates and a list of suggested activities.
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Comparing Unit Fractions – War Game
Improve student understanding of how to compare fractions with an exciting game of war!
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Unit Fractions – Deck of Cards
Use this deck of 30 cards to practise different concepts with unit fractions.