When you hear the word "fractions," many people might think, "That's something you learn in elementary school."
Indeed, in elementary school, you learn how to write and calculate fractions like "1/2," "1/3," and "3/4."
But before that, what's important is to develop a sense of
"What is a half?"
"What happens when you divide something into two?"
Actually, this foundational concept of fractions can be naturally acquired through block play.
This time, we will introduce block play activities to foster a sense of "fractions," categorized by age.
What is the concept of fractions?
Fractions are
"a way to express how many parts out of a whole that has been divided into several parts."
For example,
- Half (1/2)
- One of three parts (1/3)
- Three of four parts (3/4)
and so on.
In early childhood, there's no need to memorize numbers or equations.
First and foremost, it's important to develop a sense of
- Half
- Dividing into equal sizes
- Returning to the original whole when combined
through play.
【Ages 0-1】Let's play by dividing into two
At this age, there's no need to teach the word "fraction."
First, let's enjoy the experience of "dividing."
＜Recommended Activities＞
Divide the blocks into two
Arrange two blocks and say,
"This one and this one."
and play by dividing them.
Distribute them half by half
Divide blocks between parent and child.
"One for Mom."
"One for [Child's Name]."
It's recommended to play by distributing the same number to each.
【Ages 2-3】Feel "half"
This is the age when a sense of "sameness" gradually develops.
＜Recommended Activities＞
Divide into equal numbers
Prepare 6 blocks.
Arrange an equal number on the left and right.
"Both have 3 blocks, right!"
Let's confirm this.
Combine triangular prisms
When you combine two triangular prisms...
"Oh? It became a square!"
"When two halves come together, they make one whole!"
This leads to discoveries like that.
【Ages 4-5】Play with the concept of fractions
From here, we'll introduce activities that lead to learning fractions in elementary school.
＜Recommended Activities＞
Half-finding game
Show a cube and ask,
"Which one is half?"
and let them think.
While confirming that two triangular prisms make a cube, develop the sense that
"One triangular prism is half of this cube."
Develop that sense.
Will it be the same size?
Place one cube and two triangular prisms side by side.
"Which do you think is bigger?"
"Are they really the same?"
Let's predict and then check.
Collect halves
Arrange many triangular prisms.
"How many cubes will two halves make?"
Count them while playing.
Tip! Fractions become visible with blocks
Here, let's briefly organize the sizes of the blocks.
In this game, we consider one cube as "1."
Then,
- 1 cube = 1
- 1 rectangular prism = 1
- 2 triangular prisms = 1
- 1 triangular prism = 1/2
This is the relationship.
In other words, even if the shapes are different, there are blocks of the same size (same volume).
And since one triangular prism is exactly half of one cube,
"When two halves come together, they make one whole."
This fundamental concept of fractions can be understood by physically manipulating the blocks.
Fractions, which can be difficult with just words and numbers, become much more accessible when you can see and touch them to confirm.
【Ages 5-6】Challenge fractions!
Recommended for around kindergarten graduation and before elementary school.
＜Recommended Activities＞
How many make one?
Arrange triangular prisms and ask,
"How many will make a cube?"
"How many triangular prisms do we need to make two cubes?"
and play while thinking.
Fraction Puzzle
The parent arranges cubes or rectangular prisms.
The child tries to make the same shape or same size using only triangular prisms.
"How can I combine them to fit perfectly?"
Through trial and error, they develop thinking skills.
Fraction story play
"If you divide a cake between two people, each person gets half."
"Can we halve the blocks too?"
By connecting daily life with block play, fractions become more familiar.
Block play is a warm-up for "fractions"
Through block play,
✔ The concept of half
✔ Dividing into equal sizes
✔ Returning to the original whole when combined
✔ Relationship between whole and part
✔ Thinking about combinations
✔ Logical thinking
and various other skills connected to elementary school math can be developed.
By playing with blocks and physically manipulating them, children naturally develop a sense of "this is what half means!"
Summary
For fractions, it's important to develop a sense of "dividing," "combining," and "half" before memorizing numbers and calculations.
With block play, you can physically manipulate objects and visually confirm that "two halves make one whole."
A major feature of Tsumiki-zu blocks is that they allow children to discover relationships of same size and half by combining different shapes such as cubes, rectangular prisms, and triangular prisms.
By playing and thinking together as parent and child, "Why are they the same size?" and "Are there other combinations?", children develop not only a sense of fractions but also logical thinking and a spirit of inquiry.
Please enjoy discovering, "Fractions are fun!" and "This is what half means!" by trying out various combinations with your child.