Fraction symbols can look abstract until students can see the part, the whole and the size of the pieces. A wall or strip model makes that structure visible.
The Daily Maths Review fraction wall tool gives teachers a quick screen-based way to compare fraction A and fraction B with walls, strips and circles. It can show equivalent fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, difference and sum.
Start by naming the whole
Before changing the numerator or denominator, ask students to identify the whole. Then change one part at a time so students can say whether the pieces became smaller, larger or stayed equivalent.
- Use the wall view when students need to compare several denominators at once.
- Use strips when comparing fraction A and fraction B directly.
- Use circles when students need an area model.
- Hide or show labels depending on whether students are ready to reason from the model.
Make equivalence visible
Equivalent fractions are easier to discuss when students can see two names for the same amount. Use make b equal, then ask which pieces changed and why the total value did not.
Show 1/2 on the wall, make fraction B equal, switch to strips, then ask students to explain why the two fractions cover the same distance.
Move from model to practice
After students explain the model aloud, send them to the fractions practice app or a short worksheet. If errors appear, return to the same denominator in the fraction wall tool before increasing the difficulty.