ABSTRACT
Although fractions build on a child’s preschool experiences with fair sharing, the formal ideas connected with visual representations, fraction language, and symbolism are intellectually demanding. Area models are fraction models in which 1 whole is an area. That is, the unit whole is a certain given area and that area is partitioned to produce fractions. Fraction strips, such as those available in trade catalogs, are two-dimensional strips, all of the same length. One strip shows halves, the next, thirds, the next and fourths. The importance of allowing lots of time for children to work with many different fraction models cannot be overemphasized. Not only do children need to experience many different meanings and models for fractions, but it is important that they recognize that there is more than one wording for a problem that signifies division.
