Pie Fractions

Pie is a perfect visual to introduce or practice fractions! You can pick your favorite- pumpkin, apple, pizza...or use them all. For this round, we went with pumpkin pie. I used recycled cardboard from some random diaper boxes we had on hand. Using an exacto knife I cut two squares the same size to create the base. On the top layer, I used a child’s plate to trace a perfect circle. I cut the circle out then used that piece to trace circles on other pieces of cardboard for the fraction pieces.

I cut out each piece then painted all of the circles and the base to look like pumpkin pie. I glued the base pieces together and added the scalloped edge for the crust with a paint marker. Once the paint dried I used a ruler to divide the pie pieces equally.

I created pieces for halves, thirds, fourths, and eighths then labeled them with a paint marker.

Together, we examined the pieces and made observations when comparing them. Owen, being in third grade, has been introduced to fractions prior to this activity. He enjoyed teaching Madelyn what he already knows about fractions using the pieces. They were able to determine which fractions are greater and less than. We practiced finding equivalent fractions by placing the physical pieces on top of one another. We even added like fractions together. 

We would love to hear your favorite fraction activities. What visual or manipulatives have you used to practice fractions? Comment below or tag us on Instagram, @playbeyondthelines!