Fraction Skittles: Introduction to Fractions

Fraction skittles provide a three-dimensional, concrete introduction to fractions. Children see and handle parts of wholes before encountering notation.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Fractions
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Understand fraction concept as parts of a whole
• Learn fraction names (half, third, quarter)
• Compare fraction sizes visually
• Build fraction vocabulary

Materials

• Fraction skittles (divided into halves, thirds, quarters, etc.)
• Fraction circles or squares
• Labels
• Work mat

Instructions

1. Present whole skittle: 'This is one whole.' 2. Present skittle divided in half: 'This is cut into two equal parts—halves.' 3. Remove one half: 'This is one-half.' 4. Present thirds: 'Three equal parts—thirds.' 5. Compare sizes: which is bigger, 1/2 or 1/3? 6. Name each fraction. 7. Match to written notation.

Educator tip

Always start from the whole before discussing parts. The comparison of fraction sizes is counterintuitive—more parts means smaller pieces.

Assessment

Child names fractions, demonstrates with skittles, and compares sizes.

More from Mathematics

• Stamp Game: Addition with Exchanging
• Clock: Telling Time to the Hour and Half Hour
• Subtraction Strip Board
• Greater Than, Less Than, Equal To
• Division with Golden Beads: Sharing Equally
• Measurement: Non-Standard Units
• Even and Odd Numbers
• Money: Coin Recognition and Value