How to Explain KS2 Fractions for Kids: Help with Teaching Maths At Home in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is located in Buckinghamshire, England and provides a nurturing atmosphere for families and their children's education. Many Milton Keynes parents want their children to understand the idea of KS2 fractions. Teaching KS2 Maths at home may be difficult, mainly when dealing with fractions. For parents and teachers, the quantity of terms related to fractions for children occasionally appears overwhelming.

Teaching fractions to children at home in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, might be challenging. However, we have experience teaching in both homes and classrooms, so we can tell you there is a way out. All you need to do is go through the practice fraction problems step by step.

This guide will provide tips on teaching KS2 Maths fractions to your children so they can easily understand and apply them in real-life scenarios.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction is a portion of a whole. According to the definition of mathematical terms, fractions are smaller components of a whole, and understanding them is crucial for developing mathematical fluency.

 The pieces can combine to form one or more things. In any case, they combine to form what is known as a whole. You can have a fraction of a number, such as 2/3 or 9, or a fraction of an amount, such as 2/3 of a pizza.

It is crucial to remember that a whole can represent more than one item. A sweet store is a helpful analogy. To split a single, complete amount, consider a chocolate bar, a cake bar, or a muffin. 

To group an amount into fractional portions, consider a bag of sweets. There are many sweets in the bag, but you need all of them to make up the entire bag. This concept aligns with the approach recommended in the Primary National Curriculum for teaching fractions in KS2 Maths.

Why Is Teaching KS2 Maths Fractions Important?

Fractions are essential to everyday life, and children must understand their significance. They help divide objects and quantities into equal parts, calculate proportions, and solve problems involving ratios, crucial skills emphasised in the UK KS2 National Curriculum. Learning fractions also improves a child's analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential in various fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Best Techniques To Teach KS2 Maths Fractions At Home in Milton Keynes

Now that your child understands the basic concepts of fractions, it's time to move on to more complex topics. Here are some techniques for teaching KS2 Maths fractions that you can use at home:

1. Visual Aids

Visual aids such as fraction bars, circles, or pictures will help your child understand fractions better. For example, if your child struggles to understand equivalent fractions, draw two circles, one divided into halves and the other into fourths. Your child can see that two fourths make one of the halves, so 1/2 equals 2/4.

2. Hands-on Activities

Hands-on activities such as fraction games and puzzles can be engaging and fun ways to teach KS2 Maths fractions, as recommended by the educational strategies for primary Maths. You can create fraction games, such as fraction bingo or fraction war, where children must identify and compare different fractions. You can also generate fraction puzzles where children have to match fractions with their corresponding pictures or diagrams.

3. Real-Life Examples

Using real-life examples is one of the most effective ways to teach fractions in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. For example, you can use pizza, fruit, or candy to demonstrate fractions. You can cut a pizza into equal slices and ask your child to identify different fractions or ask them to divide the fruit into equal parts and represent them as fractions.

4. Make it Practical

Using real-life examples can help children understand fractions better. Parents can involve their children in activities that require fractions, such as baking or cooking. For example, parents can ask their children to measure half a cup of flour or one-quarter of a teaspoon of salt. This helps children see how fractions are used daily, making the learning experience more engaging.

5. Hire Online Experts

Parents frequently find communicating complicated ideas like fractions challenging while teaching KS2 Maths at home. Adnan Khan Tutoring, a well-known tutoring platform, efficiently teaches fraction concepts via real-world applications. KS2 students gain valuable teaching insights by tutoring with an expert Maths tutor in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, from Adnan Khan Tutoring. They will create a solid mathematical foundation and your child will progressively gain confidence in solving problems when given the right direction.

6. Don't Stop Practising

Like any other mathematical concept, practice is essential for fractions. Parents should give their children plenty of opportunities to practise their fraction skills through exercises, quizzes, and games. This can help children build their confidence and develop their Mathematical skills.

For additional practice and support, check out this free YouTube playlist on KS2 Maths fractions and all essential topics in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire:

Key Stage 2 Maths - Evaluating Expressions 1

How To Make Learning Fractions More Exciting

Learning fractions can be a fun and engaging experience for children if parents approach it correctly. Parents can use some fun activities to make learning fractions more enjoyable.

1. Fraction Games

Parents can use many online games and activities to help their children learn fractions. For example, fraction matching games, fraction bingo, and fraction war games can make the learning experience more enjoyable.

2. Fraction Art

Parents can encourage their children to use their creativity and create fraction art. For example, children can make a picture using different coloured paper, and each colour could represent a fraction. This can help children visualise fractions and understand the concept better.

3. Fraction Scavenger Hunt

Parents can organise a fraction scavenger hunt where children find objects representing different fractions. For example, children can look for objects representing one-half, one-third, and one-fourth. This can help children apply their fraction knowledge to the real world.

Common Fractions Problems Children Face

Here are some common problems that children face when learning fractions, along with tips on how to help them overcome them:

1. Frustrated With Fractions

If your child struggles with fractions, break them down into simpler terms. Use real-life examples or visual aids to help them understand the concept better. For instance, you could use a pizza to explain fractions, showing how one slice represents a fraction of the whole pizza.

2. Fraction Addition and Subtraction Problem

Adding and subtracting fractions can be challenging for children, but with practice, they can master it. Start with simple problems and use visual aids such as fraction bars or pictures to help them understand the concept. Encourage them to show their work and explain their reasoning step-by-step.

3. Mix-ups and Improper Fractions

Mixed numbers and improper fractions can confuse children, but they must understand their differences. Use real-life examples or visual aids to help them understand how mixed numbers and improper fractions relate.

4. Trouble identifying equivalent fractions

Equivalent fractions can be tricky to identify, but with practice, your child can master them. Encourage them to look for patterns, such as multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number. Use visual aids such as fraction circles or bars to help them visualise the concept.

Conclusion

These tips for teaching KS2 Maths at home will be helpful. With the right approach and resources, it can be an enjoyable experience for you and your child. Remember to start with the basics and use visual aids and real-life examples to reinforce what they've learned. If your child is struggling, be patient and encouraging, and don't hesitate to seek help from their teacher or a tutor.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Reference-Education/Homeschooling/68519-How-to-Explain-KS2-Fractions-for-Kids-Help-with-Teaching-Maths-At-Home-in-Milton-Keynes.html