I recommend laying a strong foundation for fractions before starting the actual fractions unit. A few weeks in advance I begin to incorporate fractions into everyday classroom activities and discussions. 

For instance, during a reading session, I might might ask students how much of the book they’ve completed, fostering an intuitive understanding of fractions as parts of a whole. In art, the teacher might divide paper or canvases into fractions to create symmetrical designs which can visually demonstrate the concept. During snack time or lunch, teachers can use food items like pizzas or sandwiches to illustrate fractions in a tangible manner. Integrating fractions into story problems in math lessons about other topics can also help. This approach not only primes students for the upcoming unit but also shows them the practical, every day use of fractions, making the formal introduction smoother and more relatable.