teaching resource

Comparing Fractions – Sorting Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  28 Mar 2023

Strengthen fraction comparison skills by sorting cards according to the inequality symbol that makes each statement true.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  8 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  5 - 7

Curriculum

  • VC2M5N03

    Compare and order common unit fractions with the same and related denominators, including mixed numerals, applying knowledge of factors and multiples; represent these fractions on a number line <ul> <li>using pattern blocks to represent equivalent fractions; selecting one block or a combination of blocks to represent one whole, and making a design with shapes; and recording the fractions to justify the total</li> <li>creating a fraction wall from paper tape to model and compare a range of different fractions with related denominators, and using the model to play fraction wall games</li> <li>connecting a fraction wall model and a number line model of fractions to say how they are the same and how they are different; for example, explaining 1/4 on a fraction wall represents the area of one-quarter of the whole, while on the number line 1/4 is identified as a point that is one-quarter of the distance between zero and one</li> <li>using an understanding of factors and multiples as well as equivalence to recognise efficient methods for the location of fractions with related denominators on parallel number lines; for example, explaining on parallel number lines that 2/10 is located at the same position on a parallel number line as 1/5 because 1/5 is equivalent to 2/10</li> <li>converting between mixed numerals and improper fractions to assist with locating them on a number line</li> </ul>

  • VC2M6N03

    Apply knowledge of equivalence to compare, order and represent common fractions, including halves, thirds and quarters, on the same number line and justify their order <ul> <li>applying factors and multiples to fraction denominators (such as halves with quarters, eighths and twelfths, and thirds with sixths, ninths and twelfths) to determine equivalent representations of fractions in order to make comparisons</li> <li>representing fractions on the same number line, paying attention to relative position, and using this to explain relationships between denominators</li> <li>explaining equivalence and order between fractions using number lines, drawings and models</li> <li>comparing and ordering fractions by placing cards on a string line across the room and referring to benchmark fractions to justify their position; for example, 5/8 is greater than 1/2 can be written as 5/8 > 1/2, because half of 8 is 4; 1/6 is less than 1/4, because 6 > 4 and can be written as 1/6 < 1/4</li> </ul>

  • Comparing Fractions – Sorting Activity teaching resource
teaching resource

Comparing Fractions – Sorting Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  28 Mar 2023

Strengthen fraction comparison skills by sorting cards according to the inequality symbol that makes each statement true.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  8 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  5 - 7

Strengthen fraction comparison skills by sorting cards according to the inequality symbol that makes each statement true.

Comparing Fractions Activity

Have your students mastered comparing fractions with visual models? If your students are able to determine the size of a fraction based on a visual model, they may be ready to practise this skill with numerically-written fractions. Through this activity, students will compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size.

Students or the teacher should cut apart the headings and fraction cards. Then, students will sort the cards based on which comparison symbol should be placed between the fraction pair on the card. Students can glue the headings and cards onto a larger piece of paper. Alternatively, students could sort the cards and take a picture to submit their work or simply show their teacher and have it checked. There is a recording sheet that can be used for accountability or organization purposes as well. To use the recording sheet, students write the card numbers in the correct columns. The work can be checked with the provided key.

This resource is intended to be a practice activity for students to practice a variety of fraction comparisons.

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 sorting 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 provide additional support, encourage the use of manipulatives. Help students model the fractions as needed. Discuss observations and share strategies aloud to demonstrate your thinking. Teachers can also remove cards to reduce the workload as needed. It may also be beneficial (and save class time) to cut the headings and cards and place them in bags prior to student use.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

As an extension, ask students to compare the fractions on the cards to one-half. Discuss how they can tell if a fraction is worth more or less than one-half without using a model or manipulatives. Additionally, challenge students to sort the fraction cards another way using a diagram or headings of their choosing.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

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

Print on thick card 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 thick card 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.

Curriculum

  • VC2M5N03

    Compare and order common unit fractions with the same and related denominators, including mixed numerals, applying knowledge of factors and multiples; represent these fractions on a number line <ul> <li>using pattern blocks to represent equivalent fractions; selecting one block or a combination of blocks to represent one whole, and making a design with shapes; and recording the fractions to justify the total</li> <li>creating a fraction wall from paper tape to model and compare a range of different fractions with related denominators, and using the model to play fraction wall games</li> <li>connecting a fraction wall model and a number line model of fractions to say how they are the same and how they are different; for example, explaining 1/4 on a fraction wall represents the area of one-quarter of the whole, while on the number line 1/4 is identified as a point that is one-quarter of the distance between zero and one</li> <li>using an understanding of factors and multiples as well as equivalence to recognise efficient methods for the location of fractions with related denominators on parallel number lines; for example, explaining on parallel number lines that 2/10 is located at the same position on a parallel number line as 1/5 because 1/5 is equivalent to 2/10</li> <li>converting between mixed numerals and improper fractions to assist with locating them on a number line</li> </ul>

  • VC2M6N03

    Apply knowledge of equivalence to compare, order and represent common fractions, including halves, thirds and quarters, on the same number line and justify their order <ul> <li>applying factors and multiples to fraction denominators (such as halves with quarters, eighths and twelfths, and thirds with sixths, ninths and twelfths) to determine equivalent representations of fractions in order to make comparisons</li> <li>representing fractions on the same number line, paying attention to relative position, and using this to explain relationships between denominators</li> <li>explaining equivalence and order between fractions using number lines, drawings and models</li> <li>comparing and ordering fractions by placing cards on a string line across the room and referring to benchmark fractions to justify their position; for example, 5/8 is greater than 1/2 can be written as 5/8 > 1/2, because half of 8 is 4; 1/6 is less than 1/4, because 6 > 4 and can be written as 1/6 < 1/4</li> </ul>

Teach Starter Publishing

Teach Starter Publishing

We create premium quality, downloadable teaching resources for primary/elementary school teachers that make classrooms buzz!

0 Comments

Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.

Log in to comment

You may also like