Fraction Match Stations
Match a fraction across strips, unit-fraction words, and number lines.
Preview the complete lesson
Eight core questions and a two-question exit ticket. Print one set per student.
c1. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
c2. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
c3. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
c4. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
c5. Write the fraction at the marked point.
c6. Write the fraction at the marked point.
c7. Write the fraction at the marked point.
c8. Write the fraction at the marked point.
e1. Write a value that matches the point and strip.
e2. How do words describe the strip denominator?
Before the lesson
Recognize a whole and count equal parts.
Materials
- Pencil: 1 per student
- Plain paper sheets: 2 per student
- Projector: 1 per class (optional)
Activity
- Station 1: draw and label four strip cards using thirds or fourths.
- Station 2: write each amount as a count of unit parts, such as two thirds.
- Station 3: put the matching amount on a number line and explain the shared value.
45-minute teaching sequence
Look at the first model or task. What is the whole? What do you notice?
Station 1: draw and label four strip cards using thirds or fourths.
Station 2: write each amount as a count of unit parts, such as two thirds.
Station 3: put the matching amount on a number line and explain the shared value.
Choose core practice, or use the support prompts before moving to core. Use challenge prompts for explanation and transfer.
Write a value that matches the point and strip. How do words describe the strip denominator?
Watch for this misconception
Matching by appearance instead of fractional value.
Read the unit and count in each representation.
Teacher answer key. Open responses include a rubric and one valid sample.
c1. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
2 parts of size 1/3 represent 2/3.
c2. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
3 parts of size 1/4 represent 3/4.
c3. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
4 parts of size 1/6 represent 4/6.
c4. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
3 parts of size 1/8 represent 3/8.
c5. Write the fraction at the marked point.
2 parts of size 1/3 represent 2/3.
c6. Write the fraction at the marked point.
3 parts of size 1/4 represent 3/4.
c7. Write the fraction at the marked point.
4 parts of size 1/6 represent 4/6.
c8. Write the fraction at the marked point.
3 parts of size 1/8 represent 3/8.
s1. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
1 parts of size 1/2 represent 1/2.
s2. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
1 parts of size 1/3 represent 1/3.
s3. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
2 parts of size 1/3 represent 2/3.
s4. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
1 parts of size 1/4 represent 1/4.
h1. Make a strip, words, and number-line set for 2/3.
Two shaded thirds, the words two thirds, and a point two third-steps from zero.
- Identify the whole and use equal-sized parts where needed.
- Show a correct model or numerical relationship.
- Explain why the model supports your conclusion.
h2. Why do 2/4 and 1/2 match the same number-line point?
Both describe half of one unit.
- Identify the whole and use equal-sized parts where needed.
- Show a correct model or numerical relationship.
- Explain why the model supports your conclusion.
h3. Create a deliberately mismatched card and repair it.
A strip with three fourths shaded cannot match a line marked 1/4; change the point to 3/4.
- Identify the whole and use equal-sized parts where needed.
- Show a correct model or numerical relationship.
- Explain why the model supports your conclusion.
h4. Write a rule for checking all three stations.
Use the same whole, equal parts and the same counted amount.
- Identify the whole and use equal-sized parts where needed.
- Show a correct model or numerical relationship.
- Explain why the model supports your conclusion.
e1. Write a value that matches the point and strip.
Both represent two thirds.
e2. How do words describe the strip denominator?
Thirds names the size of each equal part.
- Identify the whole and use equal-sized parts where needed.
- Show a correct model or numerical relationship.
- Explain why the model supports your conclusion.
Use the whole and equal-part prompts before moving to independent practice. Some items revisit the core concept with simpler models.
s1. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
s2. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
s3. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
s4. What fraction is shaded? Write its value.
e1. Write a value that matches the point and strip.
e2. How do words describe the strip denominator?
Explain, transfer, and critique. More than one valid response may satisfy the rubric.
h1. Make a strip, words, and number-line set for 2/3.
h2. Why do 2/4 and 1/2 match the same number-line point?
h3. Create a deliberately mismatched card and repair it.
h4. Write a rule for checking all three stations.
e1. Write a value that matches the point and strip.
e2. How do words describe the strip denominator?
Teaching notes & lesson sources
Designed for Grade 3. Match a fraction across strips, unit-fraction words, and number lines.
3.NF.A.3a curriculum reference
Version 1.0.0. Original, AI-assisted lesson content. Free local classroom use; public reuse terms have not yet been assigned.
These lessons have not yet been field-tested in classrooms. Use the exit ticket and student explanations to decide what to revisit.