I wanted to have students focus on a variety of fractions so I created two caterpillars: one that focused on fourths and eighths and the other that focused on thirds and sixths. To make sure students put their fractional piece on the correct caterpillar, I had a light green leaf for the thirds and sixths and a dark green leaf for the fourths and eighths. This photo shows what they looked like before students added their fractional piece.

I then set about creating the fractional pieces. But first, I needed to find the center of each of the 6″ diameter circles. To do this, I simply folded the dark blue circle in half and then in half again and when I opened it, the perpendicular lines made by the folds crossed at the center of the circle. I then poked a small hole where the two lines met and used it as a template. Notice the (very faint) dot on the light blue circle.

Once all my circles had the center marked, I drew the radius. I used the radius to help me make the thirds (360 divided by 3 = 120). I then used this method to make sixths, fourths, and eighths. This is where a protractor came in handy.

Here is what they looked like when they were all cut out.

Note: Each caterpillar had six sections so I needed to cut out:

I set up the sign-in table near the entrance. As families entered, my idea was to have students choose a fractional piece, write their name on it, then add it to the appropriate caterpillar which I hung on the wall next to the table. So they knew which caterpillar their fraction belonged to, I created little signs and place them next to their fractional pieces along with a variety of colorful sharpies.

Caterpillar Fractions in Action

Any time students get to write their name on something and display it for all to see, they’re in. Why not leverage off of this and tie in some math at the same time?!