Using Paper Folding, Fraction Walls, and Number Lines to Develop Understanding of Fractions for Students from Years 5-8

Several researchers have noted how children's whole number schemes can interfere with their efforts to learn fractions. An Australian study found that children who were successful with the solution of rational number tasks exhibited greater whole number knowledge and more flexible solution strategies. Behr and Post (1988) indicated that children needed to be competent in the four operations of whole numbers, along with an understanding of measurement, for them to understand rational numbers. This paper describes a "hands on" approach developed by researchers that focuses on the use of paper folding, fraction walls and number lines to develop an understanding of fractions using a measurement model. (Contains 8 figures.)