Fraction Dominoes

Table of Contents

Fraction dominoes are a fun game and a great way for children to practice finding equivalent fractions. These dominoes use number lines, fraction models, and fractions to support children as they learn about equivalent fractions.

Learning through games is fun, and I’m finding that this is how my four-year-old learns the best. It amazes me what he can do in a game, that he “can’t” do when it isn’t a game.

This game is a little hard for my little ones but may help those reluctant math learners in upper elementary games.

This is a great game for practicing equivalent fractions, but not necessarily for teaching them.

Before playing this game, I would make sure your little kiddos have a basic understanding of equivalent fractions, and how to find equivalent fractions.

Get ideas on how to teach equivalent fractions here.

Fraction dominoes are laid out on the wooden floor.

Fraction Games with Dominoes

Once children have an understanding of equivalent fractions, it is time for practice. You could hand out a worksheet, but for most students, that is not much fun.

So why not allow them to play games as their practice?

When I was a classroom teacher, I taught math in small groups.

One center was a game center. You have to set the ground rules from day one, and enforce them throughout the year, but if that is done you will find that your children are loving math and learning.

I’ve even been fortunate enough to have a parent volunteer come in and man the center once a week. I could get an AP or Principal to come in and challenge the kiddos periodically, and I would always volunteer for student teachers.

Putting them in the game center was a great way to help the children stay on task and learn, and also allow the student teacher to get some easy teach time in.

However you implement it, games are fun. And here is how this one is played.

Prep- Work

This is a great game that uses dominoes to teach fractions. You will need the following to play this game:

First, print off the cards on card stock
Next cut them out

And that is it. You are ready to go.

How to Play Equivalent Fraction Dominoes

Next, gather two to three students, find the domino that has 1/2 written on both sides and place it in the middle.

Then allow each child to draw five dominoes from the pile. Leave the remaining dominoes in a pile for later use.

Now, decide who will begin the game, and have that player put down a domino that has 1/2 on one part of the domino. If they do not have a domino that has 1/2 on it they have to draw from the pile until they acquire one.

Each player takes a turn and may place any domino down that has an equivalent fraction for any end piece.

Again, if they do not have a fraction that is equivalent to an end piece they must draw from the pile. When the pile is gone, the player just loses their turn.

If a player has a piece that has equivalent fractions on both sides, this domino is turned. Now players may add equivalent fractions to all four sides.

The game ends when a player runs out of dominoes, or no one else can play a domino. If the latter happens you can handle it in two ways.

The winner is the person with the least amount of dominoes, or have the children add up the fractions left in their hands.

Whoever’s total is the smallest is the winner.

Equivalent Fractions Games

Want to make it a competition (great for the end of the school year)?

Have the whole class pay. After each round, have the students add up the fractions left in their hands.

All the winners get to play each other until you are down to two winners. The competition adds lots of fun, and you get in practicing addition and fraction comparison.