Many homeschool parents notice a sudden shift when their child moves from primary to high school maths. Concepts that once seemed simple suddenly feel more complex, and often, fractions are at the heart of the problem.
In this Maths Pathway parent webinar, we explore why understanding fractions is vital for success in homeschool high school maths, and how parents can help their children build a solid foundation that supports every area of future learning.
Continue reading or to watch and listen, scroll to the bottom of this article to see the full video on YouTube.
Why Fractions Matter in High School Maths
Mati, (Maths Pathway curriculum expert) shares why fractions aren’t just a part of arithmetic but they underpin almost every higher-level maths concept, including:
- Percentages
- Ratios and rates
- Scales and similarity
- Probability
- Algebraic thinking
Fractions also help students develop number sense by showing the density of numbers (for example, how ½ fits between 0 and 1, and ¼ fits between 0 and ½). They connect arithmetic to algebra, helping students understand concepts like equivalence and magnitude, which are critical in algebraic fractions and more advanced maths topics.
Common Fraction Misconceptions
Many students struggle with fractions, even by Year 7, due to having acquired some pretty common misconceptions. It is vital to clear these up for the highschool homeschool maths journey to be a success.
Some typical misconceptions include:
- Unequal division of the whole: Believing that parts of a fraction don’t need to be equal.
- Adding denominators incorrectly: Not understanding why 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3, not 2/6.
- Larger denominator = larger fraction: Thinking 1/8 is bigger than 1/4.
- Reading fractions on number lines: Confusing positions, ignoring zero, or miscounting gaps.
- Procedural knowledge without understanding: Knowing tricks to convert fractions without grasping the concept.
Addressing these misconceptions early prevents gaps that can hinder high school maths and STEM pathways.
Practical Strategies to Teach Fractions
Mati, shared many effective strategies homeschool parents can use:
1. Bar Models
- Visualise fractions clearly by shading parts of a bar.
- Compare fractions (e.g., 4/5 vs 4/7) easily.
- Connect to number lines to reinforce magnitude and equivalence.
2. Paper Folding
- Fold strips of paper into halves, thirds, quarters, etc.
- Helps children physically see fraction sizes.
- Reinforces the connection between notation (e.g., 5/8) and the concept.
3. Number Lines
- Start with zero and one, then divide into equal parts.
- Use real-life examples, like distances or swimming laps.
- Teach counting gaps, not just tick marks, to avoid misconceptions.
4. Collections
- Group objects (e.g., snails, fruit) to define fractions intuitively.
- Good for mixed numbers and improper fractions, but ensure the “whole” is clear.
5. Multiple Representations
- Show fractions in different forms: bar, circle, number line, and real-life scenarios.
- Strengthens flexible thinking and conceptual understanding.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Fractions are foundational for all high school maths topics.
- Understanding fractions conceptually is more important than memorising tricks.
- Early success with fractions predicts better outcomes in algebra and beyond.
- Use visual models, real-life examples, and multiple representations to build strong understanding.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I focus on fractions for my child?
A: Fractions should be mastered before entering high school. Year 6-7 is critical for identifying and filling gaps.
Q: How can I tell if my child understands fractions conceptually?
A: They should be able to explain equivalence, compare fractions, and use multiple representations without relying on tricks.
Q: Are fractions relevant outside maths?
A: Absolutely! Fractions are used in financial literacy, cooking, music, and other real-life applications.
Watch the Complete Parent Webinar
For a more detailed walkthrough of fraction strategies and common misconceptions, watch our full video below:
Learn More About Maths Pathway
If you want to dive deeper into homeschool high school maths and explore how this program can assist your homeschool journey, visit the Maths Pathway listing in the HRF directory for complete details and resources.
