Simple Activities for Teaching Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Looking for mixed numbers and improper fractions activities?
If I had to give my best advice for teaching mixed numbers and improper fractions, this is probably what I’d have to say… Simplify it!
No pun intended. 
But seriously, working with mixed numbers and improper fractions don’t have to cause a headache.
In fact, there are so many visual and tangible ways to show your students just how simple it can be!
I have included a Google Classroom resource, an interactive notebook that can be used as paper or PDF, and a couple of other simple activity ideas to help you plan your mixed number and improper fraction unit and get your students to become fractions pros!
Mixed Numbers & Improper Fractions for Google Drive
This Google Classroom resource is packed with vocabulary, labeling, matching, and create-your-own activities that focus on both mixed numbers and improper fractions.
This resource is very beneficial for visual learners as both images and numbers are used.
For example, on most of the drag-and-drop activities, there is a physical representation of a mixed number or improper fraction, such as pizza pies or chocolate bars, as well as the actual number representation.
If students are given one model, they’ll be expected to match the corresponding model that is equal!
There are also opportunities for your students to create their own cookie or chocolate bar model when they’re given a mixed number or improper fraction.
For example, if the mixed number given was 7/5, the student would select 1 whole cookie, and ⅖ of another to show the correlation!
The visual connection is always super helpful. 
You can check out a video preview of this resource here!
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions Interactive Notebook
If you’re trying to add more digital resources to your fraction arsenal, this interactive notebook is compatible with EASEL activities, so paper or digital – it can work for your classroom!
Similar to the Google Classroom resource, this interactive notebook incorporates vocabulary matching, labeling parts of mixed numbers and improper fractions, and drawing your own models.
All different content, though, so don’t worry about repeating any questions.
Lots of activities in this resource focus on recognizing and separating the whole number by itself, and the fraction portion by itself.
Many times kids will try to process the whole thing in one chunk and end up a little confused.
As your students start dissecting mixed numbers and improper fractions, don’t forget to remind them they can always check themselves!
I totally recommend one of the very first things you do in your fraction unit is to show them how to multiply the denominator and whole number, add the numerator, and turn the entire mixed number back into an improper fraction to check their work.
Quick, simple, and reassuring for them as they get more and more confident!
You can get a better view of the resource here!
Small Group Modeling
I used to love the confused smiles and stares when I would tell my class, “We’re going to turn you into actual improper fractions today!”
Some kids love the digital/visual activities, and honestly, some kids just need to get up and moving.
My favorite way to convey this model is by using a binder ring and pieces of yarn or string.
Put your students into whatever size of groups you’d like – I prefer anywhere from 4-6.
For as many students as you have in the group, that’s the number of strings you need to tie to the binder ring.
The total number of strings represents the fraction denominator.
And the number of students in the group represents the numerator.
You can begin the activity by having each student hold their designated piece of string and explaining that this is 1 group, 1 whole, or 5/5.
You can then challenge your students to model different fractions, such as ⅘, by having 1 student step out of the circle and another student take over holding their string.
There are still 5 total strings, but only 4 students, so the present fraction is ⅘.
To tie in mixed numbers and improper fractions, simply add more than 5 students to the group!
Have a couple students share a string so they each have a hand on it.
This will model that there are still 5 strings (the denominator), but now there are 7 students (the numerator), equaling 7/5 or 1 ⅖.
It will take a little time and practice, but seeing an actual physical representation of what a mixed number or improper fraction really is can be super helpful!
Manipulative Modeling
If you’d like your students to practice modeling individually, use any manipulatives you have in large amounts – marbles, bingo chips, puff balls, building blocks, etc.
You’ll need to explain to your students that each block, for example, represents ⅓ (or any denominator you want to work with).
You can start by having them create regular fractions, such as displaying 3 blocks = 1 whole or 3/3, 2 blocks = 2/3, etc. and then move to mixed numbers.
You can ask them to build a representation of different mixed numbers, such as modeling 3 ⅔ as shown below.
Or, how many total thirds is 3 ⅔ ?
Your students can individually count the blocks – 3 ⅔ is 11 blocks which would be 11/3.
This activity is so versatile and can be easily adapted to meet the needs of all your students!
Digital Manipulative Modeling
To simplify things even more, you can still have your students practice manipulative modeling even if you don’t want to locate all the manipulatives!
Didax has a ton of FREE virtual manipulatives your students can use to still get all the benefits of physical modeling, without the concrete tools.
You can click here to look at all the options they have to offer – there are even fraction tiles!
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Looking for more fraction blog posts?
I have a number of other fraction blog posts for you to check out!
- 7 Hands-on Activities to Teach Equivalent Fractions
- Digital Activities to Compare Fractions
- How to Make Equivalent Fractions A Success
- The Best Fraction Picture Books
- 3rd-Grade Fractions Activities ROUND-UP
I hope these simple resources and activities make your mixed number and improper fraction unit so much easier for you, and your students to have fun while learning.
What are some of your favorite ways to teach mixed numbers and improper fractions? I’d love to know in the comments below!
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