Fractions can be displayed as rectangles (area model) or circles (pie model), helping learners see fractions in different contexts.
When to use Fraction blocks
Fraction blocks work well for:- Demonstrating part-whole relationships
- Visualizing fractions as shaded portions
- Showing equivalent fractions
- Teaching fraction concepts before formal notation
- Illustrating fraction addition and comparison
Settings
Display settings
The visual representation of the fraction:
- Rectangle: Shows the fraction as a shaded area model (bar)
- Circles: Shows the fraction as shaded pie segments
When enabled, displays the numeric fraction (e.g., 3/4) alongside the visual.
When enabled, displays the greatest common divisor information, useful for simplifying fractions.
Configuring the fraction
The fraction is defined by the number of parts and how many are shaded:- Total parts: The denominator (how many equal parts the whole is divided into)
- Shaded parts: The numerator (how many parts are filled in)
Tips for teachers and parents
Best practices:- Use rectangles for area model understanding and comparing fractions
- Use circles for fractions of time, pizza-style problems, or pie charts
- Start with simple fractions (halves, quarters) before more complex denominators
- Show the numeric fraction alongside the visual to connect representations
- Use multiple Fraction blocks to compare fractions or show equivalence
- Hide the numeric fraction when you want learners to identify the fraction from the visual