Creating Common Denominators

Creating Common Denominators takes the frustration out of learning fractions. Students build fractions and learn the hows and whys of common denominators. Students will build common fractions, i.e. halves, thirds, fourths, and discover why different sized "one whole" items have different sized halves and other fractions. They will use strategies like folding or measuring to change halves into fourths, sixths, or other fractions. They will compare the changes and add and subtract fractions without using numbers. The process is very important in helping students grasp what occurs to a "whole one" when it is divided into fraction form.