Fractions on a Number Line

Hi there, Friends! It's Melissa from More Time 2 Teach and I'm popping in to share with you how I tackle fractions on a number line.

I’ll admit, that I was a bit nervous last week! Having taught third for many years, I know that fractions and number lines can be pretty tricky. I also understand how important it is that students master this concept. 

The students that struggle with this topic usually have a difficult time when we get to measurement... especially using a ruler to measure to the nearest half inch or quarter inch.

I like to begin teaching Fractions on a Number Line by making sure my kiddos understand 2 important concepts. The first, is that the distance between the numbers 0 and 1 is equal to a whole. (Students usually get this part ) The second, and trickier step, is that the lengths between the ticks, mark the fractional parts. Take a look below to see what I'm talking about.

To help my students make the connection between fractions and number lines I like to provide them with plenty of practice using fractions bars. I think that being able to touch, see, and move around parts of a whole makes fractions easier to understand. 

First I have my students show me how many fourths equal a whole. Then I introduce the number line by having them draw it underneath their fraction bars. We discuss how the 1 stands for 4/4 or 1 whole.

Next, we practice adding "tick marks" to our number line to mark the fractional parts. If our whole is made up of thirds then we label 1/3, 2/3, etc... I like to have my students count out loud so that it becomes automatic.

After we practice labeling a few number lines, I introduce the concept of "points" on the number line. We also discuss how each point  can be represented by a different letter.

Finally, when I start to see that my students are able to create their own number lines, label them correctly, and answer questions, I'll expose them to fractions greater than one.

Fractions can be tricky for our 3rd graders, but if you use manipulatives and provide students with plenty of practice and support, they'll be ready for measurement in no time!