Fraction Blocks

Aim of the Game

Practise finding fractions of amounts in a fun, hands-on way. Players colour blocks to represent fractions and compete for the highest score.

What You Need

• Paper with block diagrams divided into different amounts (bars split into halves, quarters, sixths, etc.)
• Fraction cards with fractions to find (e.g., ½, ¼, 1/6)
• Optional: Counters, Duplo, or Lego blocks for support
• Pens, pencils, or colouring tools

Game Setup

1. Prepare each player’s sheet with block diagrams (bars split into different numbers of sections).
2. Fold and shuffle the fraction cards and place them in a pile.
3. Decide the order of play.

How to Play

1. Pick a fraction card.
   • Take a card from the pile and read the fraction.
   • Example: ¼
2. Find the fraction of the block.
   • Look at the top bar on your sheet.
   • If using counters or blocks, divide the total number of blocks into the number of equal groups indicated by the fraction.
   • Example: ¼ of 4 → divide 4 blocks into 4 groups → 1 block in each group → colour 1 block.
3. Complete rounds.
   • After all players complete round one, move to the next bar with a different total number of blocks.
   • Draw a new fraction card and repeat.
   • If a fraction cannot be applied to the number of blocks as a whole number (e.g., 1/10 of 6), the player loses that round.
4. Score points.
   • Colour in or mark the blocks that correspond to the fractions.
   • After all rounds, count the total coloured blocks.
5. Winning the game
   • The player with the highest total of coloured blocks wins!

Variations

• Simplified fractions: Start with halves, quarters, and thirds for beginners.
• Advanced fractions: Use tenths or fifths for older learners.
• Hands-on support: Allow players to use counters, Lego, or other manipulatives for tricky fractions.
• Timed challenge: Complete rounds within a set time for added excitement.

Educational Benefits

• Fraction Understanding: Practises finding fractions of amounts in a visual, concrete way.
• Hands-On Learning: Supports kinaesthetic learners through blocks and counters.
• Problem Solving: Encourages reasoning when fractions don’t divide evenly.
• Competition & Engagement: Turns learning into a motivating game.