How to simplify for students the idea of proportions

Many students get overwhelmed when finding out that their teacher is going to introduce the concept of proportions. 

I totally agree that there are some Mathematical concepts that could be very difficult to digest if the teacher is not creative.  I have recently learned in my Math Methodology course at University that, proportion, which is the ratio of one quantity to another can be illustrated in a very fun way.  So how does it work?

The teacher starts a survey in the class.  This survey may be about anything that the teacher finds suitable based on the students' interests.  For instance, if the students are interested in sports, he/she can ask how many of them prefer soccer, how many prefer basketball, etc.  Students that fit in the same category have to stand next to each other, and the first person in each category has to hold a ribbon.  After all students get involved, a circle should be formed.  The teacher then stands in the center of the circle and holds all ribbons together.  This way students are able to clearly see the proportions of one category to another.

In conclusion, it's true that some Math ideas are harder to explain than others, but with little creativity, all concepts can be introduced in a fun and easy way.