Fractions. Just the word used to make a few of my fourth graders groan—and honestly, I couldn’t blame them. Teaching equivalent fractions and comparing them felt like trying to explain the rules of a complicated board game while blindfolded. You’d think we’d be building a solid foundation, but more often than not, I’d watch them memorize a few tricks, ace a worksheet… and forget everything by the next week.
That all changed the day I stopped treating fractions like a skill to master and started treating them like a concept to explore.
I created a set of task cards—nothing fancy at first, just a few cards with fraction models, number lines, and real-world problems. But something magical happened. My students weren’t just solving problems—they were thinking. They were talking. They were saying things like, “Wait, if 4 out of 8 is the same as 1 out of 2, then this must be too, right?” It was like flipping on a light switch.
That’s how the Equivalent Fractions & Comparison Task Cards for 4th Grade came to life. I built them with the intention of helping students actually see and feel the math—whether they’re in a traditional classroom, a homeschool setting, or working independently.
This isn’t your average drill-and-kill fraction practice. Each card is thoughtfully designed to build visual understanding and reasoning. There are 32 cards in total, and they include everything from simple matching of equivalent fractions to reasoning about which fraction is closer to 1 on a number line. Some cards use pictures and models, others are word problems, and a few spark those great “math talk” moments that get kids really thinking.
And here’s the part teachers and homeschool parents will appreciate the most: there’s no prep required. You can print them, cut them once, and use them all year. I even included a digital Easel version for those teaching online or using iPads. Whether it’s small group work, math centers, test prep, or even a fraction scavenger hunt (yes, I’ve done that), these cards fit right in.
I designed these with both Common Core standards (4.NF.A.1 & 4.NF.A.2) and Texas TEKS (4.3C & 4.3D) in mind, so you can feel confident that the skills your kids are practicing actually match what’s expected.
The best part? I’ve seen kids who normally struggle with math come alive during these activities. They’re no longer just choosing answers—they’re explaining them. Defending them. Getting excited to show their thinking. And when that happens, you know you’ve struck gold.
If you’re looking for a way to make fractions click—really click—I’d love for you to try these cards. They changed the way I teach this unit, and they just might become your favorite go-to resource too.
You can grab them right here on TPT, and if you use them, I’d love to hear how they go. Here’s to making fractions less frustrating… and maybe even a little fun.