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Fraction Resources for Upper Elementary: The Complete Teaching Guide

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70+ resources to help you teach fractions

Teaching fractions doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. After years in the upper elementary classroom, I learned that the right fraction resources make all the difference between students who “get it” and students who shut down the moment they see a denominator.

Here’s the truth: fractions are abstract, and upper elementary students need multiple ways to interact with them before those concepts click. A worksheet might work for some students, but most need hands-on manipulatives, visual models, real-world connections, and plenty of practice in different formats.

I’ve tested these fraction resources with my own 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, and I’m sharing the ones that actually moved the needle – from engaging videos and hands-on manipulatives to digital tools and picture books that make abstract concepts stick. Whether you’re introducing fractions for the first time or diving into operations with fractions, you’ll find fraction resources here that save you time and help your students succeed.

Save the worksheets for homework. Let’s make fractions fun.

My Favorite Fraction Resources for Upper Elementary

Before I send you off to explore 50+ options, let me share what’s actually in my fraction teaching toolkit. These are the fraction resources I created specifically for upper elementary teachers who need engaging, standards-aligned materials that don’t require hours of prep.

Mission: Design a Park – Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number Activity – This project-based learning activity lets students practice multiplying a fraction by a whole number while designing their own park. Students follow specific criteria to determine how much space each park amenity requires. My students loved getting to use their creativity while practicing an essential math skill, and it’s perfect for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.

Multiplying & Dividing Fractions Game Show – When test prep season hits, this Jeopardy-style game show turns anxiety into engagement. Students work through multiplying and dividing fractions problems in a game format that keeps energy high and practice meaningful.

Fraction Posters and Interactive Notebook Pages – These visual references cover everything from basic fraction concepts to operations, and they work double-duty as both classroom anchor charts and interactive notebook pages. They’re the perfect way to give students a reference tool they can use all year long.

Mixed Numbers, Improper Fractions & Simplifying Bingo Game – Bingo games make practice feel like play, and this one targets three essential fraction skills: converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions, and simplifying fractions. Perfect for whole class review or math centers.

Winter Math Activities – Mystery Picture Worksheets (Operations with Fractions) – My students asked for mystery pictures by name. They solve fraction problems (adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing) to reveal winter-themed pixel art images. It feels like a game, but they’re getting solid practice with all four operations.

Want more fraction resources? Click here to see all of the fraction resources I have in my shop!

Free Fraction Resources to Get You Started

Not ready to commit? I get it. Start with these free resources and see how your students respond:

FREE Fractions Color by Number Mystery Picture & Pixel Art – This freebie includes both a printable color-by-number worksheet AND a digital pixel art activity for Google Sheets. Students practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions while revealing an emoji design. It’s the perfect way to see if mystery pictures work for your classroom before investing in the full seasonal sets.

FREE Fractions Game Show – 4th Grade Math Review – Want to try the game show format before buying? This free game covers 4th grade fraction skills in a Jeopardy-style game that students love. Perfect for review or test prep.

FREE Multiplying Fractions Game – Tumble Blocks – This fun, no-prep game helps students practice multiplying fractions in an engaging format. Great for math centers or partner work.

Fraction Teaching Timeline

Here’s how I actually structured fraction instruction in 5th grade using these resources:

  • Days 1-3 (Introduction): I start with concrete manipulatives and picture books to build conceptual understanding. Students need to see and touch fractions before they can work with them abstractly.
  • Week 2-3 (Skill Building): This is where my task cards and practice activities come in. Students work in centers or pairs, getting repetitions with immediate feedback.
  • Week 4 (Application): We dive into word problems and real-world applications. Math mystery pictures work beautifully here because they combine skill practice with problem-solving.
  • Review Week: Before assessments, I use my review games to make test prep feel less stressful. Students are practicing the same skills, but the game format keeps them engaged.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Here

With 50+ resources on this list, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by choices. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s my recommendation based on what you need right now:

  • If you’re introducing fractions for the first time: Start with hands-on manipulatives (fraction tiles or towers) + a picture book + my fraction introduction activities. Students need to see fractions physically before moving to abstract problems.
  • If you need engaging practice activities: Grab my Math Mystery Pictures + some of the online games listed below. The variety keeps students interested, and the immediate feedback helps them learn from mistakes.
  • If you’re prepping for testing: Use my review games + Khan Academy for students who need extra support on specific skills. The combination of game-based review and targeted practice covers all your bases.
  • If you’re on a tight budget: Start with the free resources (my freebies, Khan Academy, and some of the free apps and games listed below). You can always add paid resources later.

Essential Fraction Resources from Fellow Teachers

Sometimes you need fresh ideas beyond what’s in your own classroom, and these blog posts from fellow educators deliver practical strategies you can use tomorrow. I’ve pulled from these posts when I needed a new angle on teaching equivalent fractions or when I wanted activities that didn’t require a bunch of prep:

Video Fraction Resources Students Actually Enjoy

Visual learners need to see fractions in action, and I’ve found that short, focused videos work better than long explanations. These fraction resources break down tricky concepts in ways that stick—and they’re teacher-approved for classroom use.

My top pick: MathAntics breaks down concepts in under 10 minutes, perfect for introducing a new skill before hands-on practice. I show these at the start of a lesson, then move into independent work.

For struggling learners: StudyJams includes interactive practice right after the video, which helps concepts stick. The combination of watching and doing makes a difference.

Pro tip: I use VideoLink to eliminate ads and sidebar distractions when showing YouTube videos. It’s a game-changer for keeping students focused on the math instead of getting distracted by recommended videos or comments.

Hands-On Fraction Resources: Manipulatives Worth Buying

Here’s something I wish someone had told me during my first year teaching fractions: hands-on learning isn’t optional for this concept – it’s essential. Students need to physically see and manipulate fraction relationships before they can work with them on paper.

I’ve tried most of these manipulatives in my classroom, and here’s what actually works:

For visual learners: Fraction towers let students physically stack and compare sizes. When a student can see that two 1/4 pieces equal one 1/2 piece, that visual connection sticks.

For hands-on operations: Fraction tiles are my most-used manipulative. Students can model adding, subtracting, and finding equivalent fractions with them. They’re versatile enough to use across multiple fraction units.

Budget-friendly option: Start with fraction number lines before investing in more expensive tools. They help students understand fractions as numbers on a line, which is crucial for later math success.

My classroom must-have: Rainbow fraction tiles. They’re colorful, durable, and work for every fraction skill I teach. If you’re only buying one manipulative, make it these.

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Best Picture Books for Teaching Fractions

Picture books aren’t just for primary grades. My upper elementary students loved when I pulled out a picture book during math, and these fraction resources helped make abstract concepts concrete through storytelling and illustrations. I’d read these during the introduction phase of a unit or when we needed a brain break that still connected to our learning.

My favorites for upper elementary:

  • Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire – My students’ top pick. It’s engaging without being babyish, and it introduces fraction concepts through a medieval fair adventure.
  • The Lion’s Share – Perfect for older students. It tackles fractions through a story about sharing cake, and it naturally introduces the idea of parts of a whole.
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! – Great for area and multiplication connections with fractions.

Full list of fraction picture books:

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Digital Fraction Resources for Practice and Review

Technology can be a powerful tool for fraction practice, especially when you need differentiated practice or want students to work independently. These digital fraction resources offer immediate feedback, which helps students learn from their mistakes in real-time.

Online Games

These interactive games work great for math centers, early finisher activities, or whole-class review on your interactive whiteboard:

Apps for Tablets

If your students have access to iPads or tablets, these apps provide excellent fraction practice. I’ve noted which are free and which require payment:

  • Fractions, by Math Learning Center | iOS – free (My go-to free app recommendation)
  • Slice Fractions, School Edition | iOS – paid | Android – paid
  • Slice Fractions 2 | iOS – paid | Android – paid
  • Fractions Quiz | Android – free
  • Squeebles Fractions | iOS – paid
  • Fraction Challenge | iOS – free | Android – free

Student Practice Websites

These websites offer comprehensive fraction practice with progress tracking. I used Khan Academy religiously for students who needed extra support on specific skills:

  • Khan Academy – Free and excellent for differentiated practice
  • IXL – Subscription required, but very comprehensive
  • Splash Learn – Good for gamified practice

Common Fraction Mistakes and How These Resources Fix Them

After years of teaching fractions, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up again and again. Here’s how the right fraction resources address these common struggles:

Mistake #1: Students add numerators and denominators straight across Example: 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/8

The fix: Use fraction tiles or towers to show physically why this doesn’t work. When students can see that 1/4 + 1/4 makes 2/4 (which simplifies to 1/2), that hands-on experience corrects the misconception.

Mistake #2: Students think the bigger the denominator, the bigger the fraction Example: Believing 1/8 is larger than 1/2

The fix: Picture books like “The Lion’s Share” and manipulatives make this visual. Students need to see that when you divide something into more pieces, each piece gets smaller.

Mistake #3: Students struggle to find common denominators The fix: Fraction flip books and number lines help students see equivalent fractions more clearly. The visual representation makes the pattern click.

Your Complete Fraction Teaching System

These fraction resources work even better when you have a clear plan for using them. Here’s my complete fraction teaching stack – exactly what I used in my 5th grade classroom:

Introduction Phase (Days 1-3):

  • Picture book read-aloud (Sir Cumference or The Lion’s Share)
  • Hands-on exploration with fraction tiles
  • My fraction introduction activities from TpT
  • Short video from MathAntics for visual reinforcement

Skill Building Phase (Week 2-3):

  • Daily: Task cards in math centers for targeted practice
  • 2-3 times per week: Math mystery pictures for engaging independent practice
  • As needed: Khan Academy for students needing extra support on specific skills
  • Manipulatives available for students who need hands-on help

Application Phase (Week 4):

  • Word problems using real-world contexts
  • Fraction games (online or hands-on) for skill reinforcement
  • Partner activities with fraction dominoes or card games

Review and Assessment Prep:

  • Review games from my TpT store (game show format keeps energy high)
  • Khan Academy for targeted practice on weak areas
  • One more round with math mystery pictures because students love them

This system gives students multiple entry points for learning fractions, which is exactly what they need for a concept this complex.

Ready to Transform Your Fraction Instruction?

With these fraction resources in your teaching toolkit, you’re ready to tackle fractions with confidence – and help your students do the same. Remember, you don’t need to use everything on this list. Start with one or two fraction resources that match your teaching style and your students’ needs, then build from there.

My fraction materials are designed to work together as a complete system, so if you want a cohesive approach without piecing together resources from multiple sources, check out my fraction bundle. It includes everything you need from introduction through assessment prep.

Want more math teaching strategies? Check out my post on 3 Fun Ways to Practice Fractions for specific activities you can use tomorrow.

70+ resources to help you teach fractions
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Links last updated on 10.15.2025.

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