Fraction Chant: Numerator and Denominator

This is a chant I wrote to help my fifth grade students remember the meaning of the parts of a fraction. When we do it in class, I sometimes have them chant the whole chant with me, and sometimes we just do the first two verses together, which reinforce just the definition of numerator and denominator.

Sometimes we clap out a beat as we chant, and sometimes we get up and move! It really helps the kids (and me too!) remember the words when they get up and do motions at the same time, so when we say, "numerator", we always jump up as high as we can and point up, and every time we say "denominator", we get as low as we can and point down (this is also great for hooking them at the beginning of class and getting them excited about math that day). We've also added motions to go with "how many pieces" (pointing like you're counting things out in front of you) and every time we say "whole", we trace a big rectangle around ourselves.

When we do practice problems with fractions, and a student is confused, I've found that I can get them to recite the numerator and denominator verses to figure out what their mistake was... it's been great for helping the kids understand fractions in the deeper way that the Common Core requires. They are learning to articulate their thinking (to a beat) and have a tool to help them remember the meaning of the parts when they get stuck. Plus, we all have a lot of fun together during math while reviewing concepts the kids need to understand!

Ideas for using this resource are:
-As a "hook" for the beginning of class
-As a reference tool in a math journal
-As a resource to take home to help with homework
-As a way to differentiate towards kinesthetic and auditory learners
-As part of an independent or partner review in a math center

Have fun!