Cut shapes into halves and fourths
Sharing a snack fairly is something your child already cares about, and equal shares are the start of fractions, one of the biggest topics in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. A child who already knows that halves must be the same size, and that four pieces of a pancake are smaller than two, has the right picture in mind when they start writing 1/2 and 1/4 with numbers.
In this video, your child will learn to cut shapes into halves and fourths.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
What do we call each share?
Example 2
How many fourths make one half?
Your child's turn
Which is bigger, a half or a fourth?
The three key steps
- 1Two equal shares are halves, and four are fourths.
- 2Two fourths make one half.
- 3More shares make smaller shares.
Mistakes to listen for
- Calling any two pieces halves, even when one is clearly bigger, because halves seem to mean two parts, not two equal parts.
- Believing a fourth is bigger than a half because four is bigger than two.
- Cutting a rectangle into four unequal pieces and still calling each one a fourth.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to halves and quarters of circles and rectangles →
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Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice halves and quarters of circles and rectangles, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to halves and quarters of circles and rectangles has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice halves and quarters of circles and rectangles
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on halves and quarters of circles and rectangles and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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