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Making Equivalent Fractions Click: A CRA Approach That Actually Works

Let’s be real: equivalent fractions can trip up even our brightest students. And when we jump straight into multiplying by 3/3 or 4/4 without laying the groundwork, we’re basically handing them a math trick instead of understanding. That’s where the CRA method (Concrete → Representational → Abstract) becomes a game-changer.

Here’s how you can use it to teach equivalent fractions conceptually—and make it actually stick.

Start with the Concrete: Break Out the Fraction Tiles

Before anything else, let your students explore. Using fraction tiles (or pattern blocks), give them the freedom to compare pieces and make discoveries. Can they find two pieces that match the length of 1/2? What do they notice about 2/4 or 3/6?

In the free resource, there’s a simple recording sheet where students use fraction manipulatives and write down equivalent pairs they find. It turns what could be a dry lesson into a hands-on math investigation—and suddenly, they’re the ones doing the noticing and wondering.

Teacher Tip: Use guiding questions like, “What do you see?” or “How do you know they’re the same length?” to prompt deeper thinking without jumping in with answers.

Move to Representational: Models That Make It Click

Once they’ve built a strong foundation with fraction tiles, transition into visuals they can draw and label:

  • Bar models: Students color in bars and identify fractions that look different but are the same size.

  • Circle models: The freebie includes star-marked circle models students can partition to show different denominators representing the same value.

  • Number lines: Have students use fraction bars to place fractions on number lines and identify which ones land at the same spot.

All of these are in the free download, and they’re designed to bridge the gap between manipulatives and paper-pencil thinking—so when it comes time to do the abstract work, they’re ready.

Abstract Time: Multiply by a Form of One (But Now It Makes Sense)

Finally, we get to the part where students multiply by 2/2 or 3/3 to find equivalent fractions. But here’s the best part: they actually understand what they’re doing now.

In the final pages of the free resource, students practice using the identity property of multiplication to create equivalent fractions. You can even sneak in a little simplifying afterward to reinforce how everything connects.

Need a Quick Refresher? Watch the Teacher Video!

This includes a short teacher-facing video where I walk you through how to use the CRA method to teach equivalent fractions in your classroom. Whether you're brand new to this approach or just want to see it in action, it's a quick and helpful guide to make your next lesson smoother.

Want to Try This With Your Class? Grab the Freebie!

P.S. Want even more done-for-you resources like this? The Math Bestie Membership gives you access to everything you need for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade math all aligned to the TEKS and designed to support conceptual understanding first.