Basic Parts of a Whole
Background Information & Activities

A fraction is a quotient of two rational numbers and shows a part of a whole. The denominator, or bottom number of a fraction, tells the total number of parts in the whole. The numerator, or top number of a fraction, identifies the number of parts of the whole. For example, the fraction ¹/₄ shows 1 out of 4 total parts of the whole. This fraction is also called a quarter, or a fourth. Guide your children to figure out that the twenty-five cent coin is called a quarter because there are 4 quarters in a dollar, so 1 quarter is equal to ¹/₄ of a dollar. Guide children to explain why a fifty-cent coin is called a half-dollar. There are 2 half-dollars in a dollar, so one half-dollar is equal to ¹/₂ of a dollar.

Familiarize your children with the language we use to describe fractions. When we split something into three equal parts, we divide it into thirds. One part of the whole is called a third. When we split something into four equal parts, we divide it into quarters. One part of the whole is called a fourth.

The Basic Parts of a Whole movie introduces children to fractions and covers simple fractions, such as one-quarter, one-third, and one-half. BrainPOP Jr. will produce movies that cover more advanced fractions and equivalent fractions in the future.

The best way for your children to become familiar with fractions is to work with them. We recommend cooking with your children so they can see how fractions are an important part of daily life, and not just concepts they learn in school.

Basic Parts of a Whole Teacher Activities – Click Here!

Basic Parts of a Whole Family Activities – Click Here!

Basic Parts of a Whole Teacher Activities

Whole Paper

Have students fold white paper in different ways. Make sure that the folds are even so that the sections in the paper are equal. Have partners switch papers and have students count the parts and color one part. Students can label the papers with the fraction that shows what part is colored. Continue the activity several times so students can be exposed to different fractions.

Finding Fractions

Divide the class into small groups and have them write a list of items using fractions. For example, the list might include a quarter, one-third of a piece of paper, and one out of three swings. Have groups trade lists and find the items. If possible, allow students to find the items not just in the classroom, but on the playground or in the school.

Pizza Pie

Have your students cut large circles and decorate them as pizzas. Encourage them to be creative and make silly pizzas such as peanut butter and jelly or lima bean and spinach. Then divide the students into groups of different numbers, such as groups of two, three, and four. Explain to students that they will be sharing their pizzas with each other and need to make equal slices. (Make sure students count themselves in the groups.) Each student can cut his or her pizza into equal parts and share them with their groups. Have groups discuss what fraction of the pizza they each get. Discuss groups’ fractions with the class. If possible, have a pizza party at the end of the activity to celebrate fractions.

Basic Parts of a Whole Family Activities

Part-time Cook

Use measuring cups and spoons to cook with your child. You may want to research together in cookbooks or on the Internet to find simple recipes that use simple fractions, or you may want to write up your own recipes that your child can do on his or her own, such as fruit salad or trail mix. Read the recipe together and have your child identify the fraction and measure the ingredients. As an extension, your child can make up his or her own recipe for a snack mix using cereal, dried fruit, and nuts. He or she can write recipes using fractions.

Clay Parts

Have your child make different shapes out of clay. Then use a plastic knife to cut up the shapes into equal parts. Have your child name the fraction of one part. Continue the activity by having your child make different shapes and you cutting different number of parts. Make sure the parts of the whole are equal. Then switch roles and repeat the activity. Your child can sketch the clay shapes and write down the fractions in a notebook to keep as a reference guide.