What this worksheet helps children practise
Identify one whole, count all its equal parts, then count the shaded parts.
This fourth grade review connects area models with fraction notation. Each complete rectangle is one whole. The denominator counts every equal part, including the unshaded parts; the numerator counts the shaded parts only. Children count cells, not the diagonal lines printed inside them. Some shaded parts are separated rather than adjacent. Their position does not change how many are shaded. The task asks for the fraction shown by the partition, so children keep the original denominator instead of simplifying their answer. For a related skill, use Equivalent fractions with shaded strips: Shade the same length in the second strip. Complete the fraction.
Preparing a short session
Print at actual size and provide a pencil and eraser. Trace the outside of one rectangle with a finger to establish the whole. Point to the equal cells inside it before naming the two terms of a fraction. Light gray and diagonal hatching identify the same selected parts. White cells still belong to the whole. Keep the answer key aside during practice. No cutting is needed, and children do not need to shade any extra cells to complete this page.
A concrete example to get started
The example has four equal parts and three are shaded. Write 3 above the fraction bar and 4 below it: three fourths. The denominator does not count only the white cells. Then look at the first exercise, point to its two equal parts and identify the shaded one. Use the same method for rectangles with two rows. Count every cell in the whole rectangle, not just the cells in the top row.
Supporting the activity
Work through one mosaic at a time. Encourage a sentence such as, “There are five equal parts in all, and two are shaded,” before filling the fraction. Point to each cell once to avoid counting it twice. With the unshaded model, the numerator is zero but the denominator still describes its partition. With the fully shaded model, the numerator equals the denominator. These cases represent none of the whole and all of the whole. To vary the practice, try Comparing fractions: shade and choose the symbol: Shade the given fractions. Write <, > or = in each box.
What to notice and how to check
Answers in order are 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 2/5, 5/6, 3/8, 0/4, 5/5 and 7/10. The key keeps the denominator visible in each drawing. Although 0 and 1 describe the amounts in items 7 and 8, this task asks for 0/4 and 5/5 to show the equal parts. If a child reverses the two numbers, revisit what each number counts. Ask for an explanation of one denominator by pointing to every part.
Making the task easier
Start with the first three models and point to each part while counting.
Keep the learning aim, but reduce how much the child has to handle at once. Cover part of the page with another sheet and reveal one task at a time. Demonstrate a separate example, then leave a real opportunity to work something out. An answer reached with support is still a useful attempt; it does not yet show that the same task can be completed independently.
Taking the idea beyond the worksheet
Draw a different rectangle with eight equal parts, shade five and write 5/8.
Use the follow-up to meet the same idea in a different setting. Offer it once the first task makes sense, without insisting that the whole page must be perfect. The child might explain a strategy, make an example or set a challenge for an adult. Return to the worksheet only when it helps connect the two situations. A short conversation or a practical activity can be enough to finish the session. To continue exploring, use Tenths models: fractions and decimals: Read the models, complete the numbers, then shade the grids.
Downloading and printing the PDF
This free PDF contains one worksheet designed for A4 paper. Download the file using the button on this page and open it in your PDF reader. Choose actual size or a 100% scale, check the orientation in the print preview and turn off any browser headers or footers. The illustrations use vector lines, so their outlines stay sharp when printed. Check the margins on one copy before preparing several sheets for a group. The level shown on the page is a guide, rather than a requirement to complete the activity at a particular age.