Halves, Thirds, and Fourths Rectangle Worksheets
Teach equal area as the essential feature of fractional parts.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Have the student divide a rectangle into equal-area parts and shade one. Compare different valid partitions.
Example to work through together
Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.
Three equal parts need two dividing lines.
To make three equal strips, mark about one third and two thirds of the rectangle's width. Draw a straight line at each mark, then shade one strip. Count the spaces, not the lines.
Ask your student
How could we check that the parts have equal area?
If your student needs help
If the student makes unequal parts, use folding or a grid to compare their sizes.
Choosing and using the worksheet
Each sheet asks for halves, thirds, and fourths once, using the same original rectangle shape. The answer key gives checking guidance rather than a single completed drawing, because more than one partition can be correct. New numbers does not change these three fixed tasks.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Ask how the child checked equal areas. Accept different valid partitions and read each fraction name aloud.
Picture activityWrite Fractions From Shaded Parts
Count all equal parts, then the shaded parts, to name the fraction shown.
6 problems · Answer key included
Picture activityCounting Square Units: Area
Count equal square tiles and use rows to find area.
6 problems · Answer key included
More about shapes · Grade 2 worksheets
Grade 2 selected skill connection: 2.G.A.3. See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.