K-2nd Grade Fraction Circle Manipulatives
Fraction Circles
Pick your math buddy!
Fraction Circles: How to Use This Free Online Fraction Tool
What are fraction circles?
Fraction circles let kids see a fraction as a real piece of a whole, not just numbers on a page. Our free online fraction circles let children in kindergarten through 2nd grade drag, turn and snap pieces together right on the screen.
The tool has a whole circle plus halves, thirds and fourths, the fractions most 2nd graders are ready for. A friendly animal buddy (Barnaby Bear, Penny Bunny or Freddie Frog) says each piece out loud and cheers kids on.
It works in any web browser on a Chromebook, tablet or computer. There is nothing to download and no login.
How to use the fraction circles tool
You can start in under a minute. Here is how a child (or you) can build a first fraction:
- Pick a buddy. Tap Barnaby Bear, Penny Bunny or Freddie Frog, then tap the green “Let’s Go!” button. The tool remembers the choice next time on the same device.
- Add a piece. Tap a fraction button: the whole circle (1), a half (1/2), a third (1/3) or a fourth (1/4). The buddy says the name and the piece appears on the board.
- Move it. Drag any piece around the white board. Tap a piece to select it; a dashed outline shows which one it is.
- Snap pieces together. Drag one piece close to another and it clicks into place edge to edge, so the pieces build up into a circle.
- Fill a whole. When the pieces add up to exactly one whole, such as 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/4, the buddy cheers and plays a happy sound.
- Check the total. The total shows at the top of the screen. Tap the speaker button to hear it read aloud.
Want something to fill in? Tap the empty circle button once or twice to add one or two empty circles. Pieces snap right into them, starting at the top and filling clockwise.
What each button does
Every tool button is a big picture button, so young readers can use them without reading. Green means a setting is on and gray means it is off.
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Curved arrows (left and right) | Turn the selected piece a little at a time |
| Two squares | Make a copy of the selected piece |
| Trash can | Put the selected piece away; the buddy says something kind |
| Magnet | Turn snapping on or off |
| One-half symbol | Show or hide the fraction numbers on the pieces |
| Sigma (Σ) | Show or hide the total at the top |
| Circle with a number | Add 0, 1 or 2 empty circles to fill |
| Pencil | Draw on the board with a thick crayon, to count or sketch ideas |
| Sponge | Erase the crayon drawing |
| Broom | Clear every piece from the board; empty circles stay |
| Speaking head | Turn the buddy’s voice on or off, handy in a noisy room |
| Speaker (top right) | Read the total out loud |
| Two animals swapping | Go back and choose a different buddy |
Simple ways to use fraction circles with kids
The tool has no scores and no timers, so children can take all the time they need. Here are a few easy activities to try with a small group, a center, or one child at home:
- Make one whole. Ask, “How many ways can you fill the circle?” Kids might find 1/2 + 1/2, three thirds, four fourths, or 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/4.
- Two circles, two ways. Add two empty circles and fill each one a different way. Then talk about what stayed the same: both are one whole.
- Guess the total. One child builds a few pieces and hides the total. A partner guesses, then they tap the speaker to check.
- Half of a half. Snap two fourths together and compare them to a half. Same size, different name.
- Draw and count. Turn on the crayon to circle pieces, count them, or sketch what they see.
If noise or surprise sounds are hard for a child, tap the speaking head button to mute the buddy. The tool works just as well in quiet mode.
Fraction circles FAQ
Is the fraction circles tool free?
Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up or login.
What grades is it for?
It is made for kindergarten through 2nd grade. The pieces are a whole, halves, thirds and fourths, which covers the equal-shares fractions taught in 2nd grade.
Does it work on a Chromebook or tablet?
Yes. It runs in a web browser on Chromebooks, tablets and computers, and kids can use a finger, a trackpad or a mouse.
Does it need sound?
No. The buddy’s voice is a bonus. Tap the speaking head button to turn it off and the tool works the same.
Can kids save their work?
No. The board clears when the page is reloaded, so it is best for quick practice and group activities. The tool only remembers which buddy a child picked.