Halves and quarters: what children learn
In this game children find half or a quarter of numbers up to 20 and answer questions about what equal parts are called. Every answer comes with a short explanation, so children can see the sharing that gives each answer.
Supports part of Common Core 1.G.A.3 (halves and fourths; this game uses the word quarters). It also finds half and a quarter of small numbers, which goes beyond the standard. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 1.G.A.3. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
Answer 10 questions before the clock runs out. Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4. Each game has 10 multiple-choice questions and a 150-second timer. A wrong answer shows the correct one before moving on. You earn up to three stars depending on your score.
Step by step
- Half means 2 equal groups. To find half of 8, share 8 into 2 equal groups. Each group has 4, so half of 8 is 4.
- A quarter means 4 equal groups. To find a quarter of 8, share 8 into 4 equal groups. Each group has 2, so a quarter of 8 is 2.
- Check by adding. Two halves make the whole: 4 + 4 = 8. Four quarters make the whole: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8.
- A quarter is half of a half. Halve 8 to get 4, then halve again to get 2. That is a quarter of 8.
Worked examples
Example 1: What is half of 12?
Working: Share 12 into 2 equal groups of 6. 6 + 6 = 12.
Answer: 6
Example 2: What is a quarter of 16?
Working: Half of 16 is 8, and half of 8 is 4.
Answer: 4
Example 3: A cake is cut into 4 equal pieces. What is each piece called?
Working: 4 equal parts are quarters.
Answer: a quarter
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Thinking any cut into two pieces makes halves. Halves must be equal. If one piece is bigger, the pieces are not halves.
- Thinking a quarter is bigger than a half because 4 is bigger than 2. Cut two equal paper strips, one into 2 and one into 4. The more pieces, the smaller each piece.
- Doubling instead of halving. Say 'share between 2' rather than 'half' until the word is secure.
Activities to try at home
- Share snacks fairly: 'There are 10 grapes. How many do we each get if we share them in half?'
- Fold paper squares into halves and quarters in different ways.
- Cut a sandwich into quarters and ask how many quarters make the whole sandwich.
Ideas for the classroom
- Share counters between 2 or 4 paper plates and record the result.
- Fold and cut shapes, then check the pieces match by laying them on top of each other.
- Ask 'Is this a half?' about shapes split into equal and unequal parts.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core 1.G.A.3 (halves and fourths; this game uses the word quarters). It also finds half and a quarter of small numbers, which goes beyond the standard. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to choose an answer.