Improper Fraction Game

     My kiddos have been busy practicing converting improper fractions and mixed numbers.  One game we play is called, Add It Up!  The materials are simple for this activity.  You need a die, paper, and pencil.  This activity works best in my classroom with partners.  

     Each player will have his or her own piece of paper and pencil to compute the answers.  (I do not ever like to see a child sit idly by, while another student is doing ALL the work).  Another piece of paper should be provided to record the scores.  Both players will compute the numbers being rolled on the die, and complete the work, even if it is not his or her turn.  I explain to my students they must write everything their partner writes, in order to double check for errors, and to get more practice with improper fractions.  

     The object of the game is to convert an improper fraction to a mixed number.  

*Players will take turns.  The first player will roll the die.  This number will be the denominator. Make 2 fractions with an addition sign in-between.  The numerators will be blank.

  (I use 9-sided dice, telling my students that the 0 on the dice may not be used).  A six sided die works fine too.

*The first player will roll the die twice more.  These 2 numbers will become the numerators for the 2 fractions being created.

*For example, if a 3 is the first number rolled it is the denominator.  If a 5 and 4 are rolled on the next 2 turns, the fractions to be added together are; 5/2 + 4/2

*Add the fractions together.

*At this point, partners will decide if the new fraction is improper or not.  

*If the fraction is improper, the players will convert the improper fraction into a mixed number.  

*If the fraction is not in simplest form, my students have to simplify the fraction.

*When both partners are in agreement that the mixed number is correct and in its simplest form, the first player records his answer on a piece of paper.

The recording sheet is nothing more than a piece of paper divided in half with both students' names at the top.

*The second player then repeats the process.

*Each time both players have recored their scores, this becomes a round.

*The largest mixed number wins each round.

*Play as many rounds as desired.

*When the activity is completed, the student who has won the most rounds wins the game.