Teaching fractions is relatively simple when you are at the one-half (1/2) or one-quarter (1/4) but when you start getting into tenths and hundredths it becomes a little more difficult to adequately explain it to children. Graphics are an easy way to show the class so that the concept becomes clearer as you go along. Drawing each section as you explain makes it much easier to understand.

1. A square is equal to one unit.
2. One unit is divided into ten sections so that the fraction of each section is one tenth (1/10).
3. Each of the ten sections is divided into ten more sections making 100 smaller units so that each is one-one hundredths (1/100).
4. There is therefore ten hundredths (10/100) which equal one hundred hundredths (100/100) which equals one unit.
5. 5.63 should be stated as five point six three – NOT five point sixty-three.
6. The tenths of a fraction is represented by the numeral six (6) and the hundredths is represented by the three (3).

Playing fraction games along with the graphics makes understanding easier for children to comprehend and will speed up the process of learning for each child. Any activity that shows them how to determine the values will make it fun as well.

In the example above you can state in words that 5.63 translates into five units, six tenths and 3 hundredths or 5-63/100 or 5.63 or five point six three. Give them a list of fractions and have them determine which one is the smallest unit to the largest unit. Provide one fraction such as 18-43/100 which translates into one ten eight units, 4 tenths and 3 hundredths or 18.43 or eighteen point four three. Once they see it visually it becomes easier to understand.