Montessori Fraction Skittles Set — Hands-On Introduction to Fractions
Fractions are abstract until a child can hold one half, place it next to one whole, and see with their own eyes that two quarters equal one half.
That's exactly what this set is designed for.
What's included ✓ 10 fraction skittles (9cm tall) — colour-coded for self-correction ✓ Wooden tray (27cm x 6.5cm) ✓ 13 picture cards ✓ 10 symbol cards ✓ Wooden dice for fraction games ✓ Optional extra skittles set (2 halves, 3 thirds, 4 quarters) — for 3+ players
Why it works ✓ Children hold and compare fraction pieces — whole, half, third, and quarter become concrete ✓ Colour-coded skittles and matching cards allow children to self-correct independently ✓ Demonstrates that 2 quarters = 1 half through physical comparison ✓ Can be used on a balance scale for an additional concrete experience ✓ Grows with the child — from toddler sorting all the way through formal fraction language
How it's used by age
Toddlers (ages 1–4) — sorting & motor control A parent lays out the skittles and the toddler puts them back. Colour matching makes it self-correcting. The skittles are easy for small hands to hold and assemble without knocking them over.
Introduction of fractions (ages 4–6)
- Carry the skittles to the table
- Hold the whole skittle upside down, trace the edge, and say "It is one whole"
- Hold the half skittle upside down, trace the edge, and say "One half"
- Hold the third skittle upside down, trace the edge, and say "One third"
- Hold the quarter skittle upside down, trace the edge, and say "One fourth"
- Repeat steps 3–5 for all remaining skittles
Introduction of fraction language Use three-period lessons to introduce fraction symbols. Colour-matched cards and skittles let children place each skittle on its corresponding card independently.
Fraction dice games
One player: Roll the dice and pick the matching fraction piece.
Two players: Each player chooses a circle on the tray. Players take turns rolling the dice, selecting the matching fraction piece, and placing it on their tray. Players can exchange pieces to complete a whole skittle — first to complete one whole wins!
Three or more players: Optional extra skittles set required.
Product details Material: Natural wood · Skittle height: 9cm · Tray: 27cm x 6.5cm · Non-toxic · Includes 10 skittles + tray + 13 picture cards + 10 symbol cards + wooden dice · Ages 1+ (with supervision)
