Counting in fourths · Ages 9–10
Can a fraction be more than 1?
Does your child say a fraction is always less than 1? It isn’t necessarily carelessness: the idea works for almost all the first examples. This free printable shows how to count fourths like objects (1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4…), with questions instead of corrections and two paper strips to fold.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why “a fraction is always less than 1” is a logical idea.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: one ribbon = 4 fourths (4/4 = 1), then 5/4 (a whole ribbon and one more 1/4) and 8/4 (two whole ribbons).
- What is always true (the whole ribbon is the benchmark), and three details.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- The activities: two strips to fold, colored pencils and round-tip scissors; give your child only page 2.
- Notes to read after your child has worked it out, and a cut-out slip for a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with written instructions, which your child fills in.
- Nora says a fraction is always less than 1: “Do you agree with Nora?”
- Seven steps: predict, fold, count in fourths, check, sort fractions (less than, exactly, or more than one ribbon), explain, then a family challenge.
- Two paper strips, A and B, the same length, to cut out and fold.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “Counting in fourths” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
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