[Tharkun]

When I was first taught fractions in primary school, the teacher had a bunch of rods of equal length. Each rod was divided into segments of different colours. Each segment could be "fractured" off the rod because they were attached by magnets. I think they went from 1 to 10 or so segments.

This allowed for a great visual (and tactile) illustration of how fractions work. 1/2 + 1/4? No worries, just break off some pieces and add them together. Then you can compare the length to various other configurations, and you can viscerally experience that 3/4 really does equal 6/8.

I don't know whether this is a standard way of teaching fractions, or whether this teacher was particularly motivated or whatever. But it made a lasting impression on me. Thanks, miss Annie.

[pharke]

I believe they are called Cuisenaire Rods https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisenaire_rods