Students understand the meaning of "half" before they ever read or write fractions. Have them explain some experiences they have with the term half. Most have used the term when sharing food or toys with siblings and friends. Ask if anyone knows how to write the fraction 1/2. After it is written on the board, explore why the numbers one and two are used. (Two means there are two parts or groups. One means you are talking about one of the two.) Model this with pictures on the board or with math manipulatives. When the students are VERY comfotable with understanding 1/2, have them explore other common fractions. (What would happen if you were sharing these snap cubes with THREE people evenly? etc.)