Teaching ratios and rates in 6th grade math doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you’re just getting started, this post has everything you need to break it down with clarity and confidence. These two short videos offer simple explanations and real-world examples. I’ve paired them with a ready-to-go resource that makes your lesson planning easier than ever.
Start With the Ratios and Rates Videos
The first video walks you through the basics of ratios. A ratio is a comparison between two quantities. It also breaks down the three ways to write a ratio (fraction, colon, and the word “to”). It also gives real-world examples to show the difference between part-to-part, part-to-whole, and whole-to-part ratios. Using phrases like “for every” helps your students visualize these comparisons more clearly.
The second video focuses on rates and unit rates. You’ll learn how a rate is a type of ratio that compares two different units, like miles per hour. It also explains how to find the unit rate by dividing and offers tape diagrams and real-life examples to make it click. If your students are confused about how rates differ from ratios, this video helps you clear that up fast.
Extra Tips
One especially helpful tip is encouraging your students to label every part of a ratio or rate. Writing units clearly, like 6 books to 3 students instead of just 6 to 3, helps them see what each number represents and prevents confusion down the line.
Also, look for this common mistake. Students will mix up part-to-part and part-to-whole ratios. Have them draw quick visuals or use color-coding to clarify which parts they’re comparing.
When teaching unit rates, use real-life scenarios like shopping or travel. It helps your students see how these concepts apply to their own lives and keeps engagement high.
Ratios and Rates Resource Overview
To reinforce the skills from both videos, the Ratios and Rates lesson provides print and digital materials that make it super simple to introduce and practice these skills. The first day covers ratios with a guided notes page and foldable vocabulary organizer. Your students get multiple opportunities to identify, write, and classify ratios as part-to-part or part-to-whole. Practice pages follow the same structure with real-world examples, making them easy to complete independently.
On the second day, the focus shifts to rates. Your students review how to compare two quantities with different units, calculate unit rates, and write them in multiple forms. The included practice activities range from straightforward to slightly more complex, allowing for differentiation. The exit ticket makes it a breeze to check understanding at the end of the lesson.
Teach Ratios and Rates Lesson With Confidence
These videos and the resource work beautifully together to take the stress out of teaching ratios and rates. With clear definitions, helpful visuals, and scaffolded practice, you can feel confident helping your students master these foundational 6th grade math skills!
What makes this combo so effective is the balance of guided instruction and hands-on learning. The videos give you the teaching language and strategies to explain tough concepts clearly. The resource offers your students multiple ways to practice and build understanding at their own pace. Whether you’re introducing these ideas for the first time or reviewing them mid-year, this set-up helps ensure your students don’t just memorize terms but understand how to use them.
Save for Later
Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board to access these resources for ratios and rates quickly.
