Hi,

As a former grade 4 teacher and math consultant for elementary schools, the best approach to teaching fractions is using fraction blocks and pattern blocks. If you are not familiar with them you can view them at:
www.exclusiveeducational.ca/

You can also find out how to teach with them by accessing the following lesson at:
mathcentral.uregina.ca/RR/database/RR.09.95/hanson4.html

I have taught with them for many years now and have used them from grade 3 to grade 8. I would never teach fractions any other way.

Good luck,

Diane