Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Fraction Dominoes: Free Printable Game for Year 5
- ForYear 5
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Fraction Dominoes is a free printable game for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10). Two players cut out the cards and match fractions that are worth the same. It takes about 15 minutes, needs only paper and a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, use page 1 for the game and keep page 2 for the grown-up. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children cut out the cards and look closely at each fraction. The cards show halves, thirds, quarters and fifths, written with different bottom numbers such as 4, 6, 8 and 10. The job is to decide which fractions are worth the same amount and match them in pairs. Players take turns, explain their choices and check the pairs together at the end.
- 1/2
- 2/4
- 1/3
- 2/6
- 3/4
- 6/8
- 1/4
- 2/8
- 2/3
- 4/6
- 1/5
- 2/10
How to show that two fractions match
Does 3/7 match 6/14?
This pair is different from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways to prove a match.
Method 1: multiply top and bottom- Choose a number to multiply by. Here we try 2.
- Multiply the top number: 3 × 2 = 6.
- Multiply the bottom number: 7 × 2 = 14.
- We did the same to both numbers, so the value stays the same. 3/7 and 6/14 match.
- Draw a strip and split it into 7 equal parts. Shade 3 parts.
- Cut every part in half with a line. The strip now has 14 equal parts.
- 6 parts are now shaded. The shaded amount has not changed, so the fractions match.
Getting the cards ready
Print both pages
Print page 1 for the game and keep page 2 for the grown-up. Plain A4 paper in black and white is fine.
Cut out the cards
Cut along the lines carefully. Thin card makes the cards last longer, but paper works well.
Shuffle and set up
Mix the cards well. Decide together who goes first and read the rules aloud so both players play the same game.
Check at the end
Once all the cards are used, check the pairs together. Say why each pair matches before you look at page 2.
What are equivalent fractions?
Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount. They look different because the whole has been cut into a different number of equal parts. A fraction is only a fair share when the parts are equal, so this idea sits at the heart of fractions. Year 5 children use it to compare fractions and, later, to add them.
Matching games suit this topic well. Children have to look at both numbers in a fraction, not just the top one, and decide how the parts relate. Saying the reason out loud turns a guess into reasoning. A fraction wall or a folded strip of paper lets children see a match, which is more convincing than being told.
Skills and curriculum link
- Equivalent fractions
- Matching
- Reasoning
- Explaining thinking
- Taking turns
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Maths | Fractions, decimals and percentages | Year 5 |
What children will be able to do
- I can find fractions that are worth the same.
- I can match pairs of equivalent fractions.
- I can explain why two fractions are equal.
Ideas that help with matching
- Equal partsA fraction names equal parts of one whole. The bottom number says how many equal parts the whole is split into.
- Same value, different nameTwo fractions can look different and still show the same amount. The wholes just need to be cut in different ways.
- Do the same to bothIf you multiply or divide the top and bottom numbers by the same number, the value of the fraction stays the same.
- Think about the size of the piecesThe more parts a whole is split into, the smaller each part is. So you may need more of them to make the same amount.
Key words
- FractionA number that names equal parts of a whole.
- NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many parts you have.
- DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts the whole is split into.
- EquivalentWorth the same amount. Equivalent fractions have different numbers but the same value.
- WholeThe complete amount before it is split into parts.
- Fraction wallA chart of bars split into equal parts, used to compare fractions side by side.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the game. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Cut out the cards and shuffle them. Read the rules aloud so both players know how to play.
- Play for about 15 minutes with 2 players. Take turns and say why you think two fractions match.
- Use all the cards, then check pairs together at the end. If players disagree, prove it with a drawing or a folded strip.
- Check against page 2. Come back another day to play again. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use a fraction wall or fold paper to prove a match. Fold a strip into equal parts, shade some, then fold it again. Look at whether the shaded amount changes. Start by looking for matches among the fractions with the smallest bottom numbers.
To stretch confident children
Add your own matching card for each pair, such as 3/6 for 1/2. Then make a card that matches in a different way, using a bigger bottom number. Swap cards with a friend and see if they can spot your matches.
Make it a game
Lay the cards face down in rows and play pairs memory. Take turns to turn over two cards. If the fractions are worth the same, keep the pair. If not, turn them back. The player with most pairs wins.
Talk about it
- How can you tell if two fractions are worth the same?
- What does the bottom number of a fraction tell you?
- If the bottom number gets bigger, what happens to the size of each piece?
- Which card was hardest to match, and why?
- How could you prove a match to someone who does not agree?
- Can you think of a fraction that would match one of your cards?
Take it off the page
Paper strip fractions
Cut strips of paper the same length. Fold one into halves, one into quarters and one into eighths. Line them up and see which parts cover the same length.
Draw a fraction wall
Draw rows of bars on squared paper, each split into a different number of equal parts. Colour and label them, then use the wall to spot fractions that are worth the same.
Make your own dominoes
Cut paper rectangles and split each in two. Write a fraction in each half and play with family, matching ends that are worth the same.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first game, then let them lead. Ask them to explain each match out loud. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty. If they get stuck, fold a paper strip together.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. It supports the fractions strand of the Year 5 National Curriculum for England. Page 2 offers help and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with paper folding and drawing fraction walls. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or return to it a few weeks later for revision.
Where this fits in fractions learning
Before this, children meet halves, quarters and thirds, and learn that a fraction names equal parts of a whole. They count in fractions and compare simple ones using pictures and a fraction wall.
After this, children use equivalent fractions to compare and order fractions, and to add and subtract fractions where the bottom numbers are different. Being quick at spotting fractions that are worth the same makes all of that much easier.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Why is one half the same as four eighths?
- How did you know these two fractions match?
- What fraction is equal to three quarters?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Fraction Dominoes for?
It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10) in Key Stage 2. Some Year 4 children may enjoy it with support, and Year 6 children can use it as quick revision of equivalent fractions.
- What will children practise?
Children practise finding equivalent fractions by matching pairs. They also practise reasoning, because the game works best when each player explains why two fractions are worth the same.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 15 minutes with 2 players. Use all the cards and check the pairs together at the end. You can play more than once if you want a longer session.
- What if it feels too hard?
Use a fraction wall or fold paper to prove a match. Seeing the shaded amount stay the same is easier than working from the numbers alone. Starting with fractions that have small bottom numbers can also help.
- Is it free, and do I need colour printing?
Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. You do not need colour. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper, and thin card will make the cards last longer.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting, and it supports the fractions strand of the Year 5 curriculum.
- Is it screen free, and can I use it for home education?
Yes to both. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time and rainy days. Home educators and tutors can use it alone or in a wider plan, and print it again for revision.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.