Cut shapes into equal shares
Cutting shapes into equal shares is your child's first real step into fractions, one of the main topics of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Seeing that two halves of a square can be different shapes yet the same size teaches them to focus on the amount, not the appearance. In 3rd grade, they write these shares with numbers, such as 1/3, and place fractions on a number line.
In this video, your child will learn to cut shapes into halves, thirds 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
How many fourths make the whole circle?
Example 2
How many thirds make the whole rectangle?
Your child's turn
Which rectangle is cut into thirds?
The three key steps
- 1Equal shares: same size.
- 2Halves, thirds or fourths.
- 3Same size, different shapes.
Mistakes to listen for
- Calling any three pieces thirds, even when they are clearly different sizes.
- Believing two halves cut different ways cannot both be halves, such as a triangle half and a rectangle half of a square.
- Thinking a third is bigger than a half because 3 is bigger than 2.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to halves, thirds, and fourths of shapes →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 2nd grade Geometry, with questions your child answers along the way.
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, thirds, and fourths of shapes, 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, thirds, and fourths of shapes 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, thirds, and fourths of shapes
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on halves, thirds, and fourths of shapes and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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