Grade 5 Fractions and Mixed Numbers word search, scramble and crosswor

Grade 5 Fractions and Mixed Numbers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this fractions and mixed numbers puzzle set for my 5th graders during our math unit. The kids knew the basics of fractions but kept mixing up the vocabulary around improper fractions and mixed numbers, and they were confused about the difference between a mixed number and an improper fraction. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like fraction, numerator, denominator, mixed number, improper fraction, whole number, part, proper fraction, convert, and simplify . I also included a few like "decimal" and "percent" because they kept coming up when we compared them . Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent practice. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the spelling of "denominator" (it's a tricky one) or whether a mixed number is bigger than an improper fraction (it depends on the numbers, but the kids always have opinions about it) . The crossword I use for partners or as a review, and I usually have fraction bars or a fraction number line nearby for the kids who need the visual support to see the relationship between fractions and whole numbers . I added a couple simple fraction circle and number line drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 5th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers convert an improper fraction to a mixed number on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.