Mastering Fractions

Year Level

Year 4 (Primary School - Australia)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Curriculum Context

This lesson plan is aligned with the Victorian Curriculum F–10 for Mathematics, specifically addressing the content description and elaborations related to fractions for Year 4 students:

• Content Description:
  AC9M4N04: Count by fractions including mixed numerals; locate and represent these fractions as numbers on number lines.
• Key Focus: Understanding fractions as parts of a whole, recognising and working with equivalent fractions, and performing simple addition and subtraction of fractions
• General Capability & Cross Curriculum Priorities: Utilising problem-solving strategies, visual representation, and connecting fractions with real-world contexts.

This ensures students learn to conceptualise fractions, recognise equivalence, and carry out simple operations, as expected in the Victorian Curriculum Year 4 mathematics strand.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand and describe fractions as parts of a whole.
2. Identify and demonstrate equivalent fractions visually and numerically.
3. Add and subtract simple fractions with the same denominator.
4. Use number lines to represent and compare fractions and mixed numbers.

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Key Concepts

• Fraction: Part of a whole separated into equal parts.
• Numerator and Denominator: Top (number of parts taken) and bottom (total equal parts) numbers of a fraction.
• Equivalent Fractions: Different fractions that represent the same value.
• Mixed Numbers: A whole number combined with a fraction.
• Fraction Addition and Subtraction: Adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators.
• Number Line Representation: Visual placing of fractions on a number line.

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Resources

• Fraction circles or fraction bars manipulatives (physical or virtual)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Large number line posters (can be on the floor or wall)
• Printable fraction worksheets (including fraction circles and number line activities)
• Sticky notes or coloured cards for group activities
• Visual fraction models (powerpoint or printed)
• Student maths journals or notebooks

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  Begin by reviewing the concept of fractions as parts of a whole. Use fraction circles or bars to show a whole divided into equal parts (e.g., halves, quarters, eighths).
• Ask students: "What fraction of this shape is shaded?" and encourage sharing of answers with correct terminology (numerator/denominator).
• Introduce the terms numerator and denominator clearly with visuals.
• Connect the concept to real-world examples, such as slicing a pizza or sharing a chocolate bar.

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2. Teaching Equivalent Fractions (15 minutes)

• Demonstration:
  Display fraction bars to show how fractions like 1/2, 2/4, 4/8 are equal in size.
• Discuss how numbers can look different but mean the same amount (equivalence).
• Use a number line to show equivalent points. Draw parallel number lines with varying fractions marked, reinforcing the concept visually.
• Hands-on Task:
  In pairs, students use fraction manipulatives to create groups of equivalent fractions and record their findings in journals.
• Prompt questions:
  • How can 2/4 be the same as 1/2?
  • Can you find another fraction that equals 1/2?

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3. Simple Fraction Addition and Subtraction (20 minutes)

• Mini-Lesson:
  Introduce adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator using concrete materials.
• Example: Use fraction circles to add 1/4 + 2/4 and subtract 3/4 - 1/4. Show how denominators stay the same and numerators add or subtract.
• Use drawn models and number line jumps to illustrate the concepts.
• Group Activity:
  Provide worksheet problems focusing on addition and subtraction with same denominators. Students use fraction bars or drawings to solve problems. Rotate among groups to assist and prompt thinking.
• Encourage students to explain answers to peers using correct math language.

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4. Guided Practice and Application (10 minutes)

• Use a large physical number line visible to whole class.
• Call out fractions and ask students to place sticky notes or cards at the correct place on the number line collaboratively. Include improper fractions and mixed numbers to challenge advanced students.
• Encourage students to justify their placement, comparing fractional values.

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5. Assessment and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Exit Ticket:
  Each student writes down:
  1. One fraction example represented as part of a whole.
  2. One pair of equivalent fractions.
  3. One addition or subtraction problem of fractions they solved today.
• Review a few exit tickets aloud to consolidate learning.

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Differentiation and Support

• For students needing support:
  Use more concrete, visual aids such as fraction circles and number lines. Pair with a buddy for activities.
• For advanced students:
  Introduce simple addition and subtraction of mixed numerals on the number line, or explore converting improper fractions to mixed numerals during activities.
• Provide oral and written instructions to cater to different learning styles.

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Curriculum Alignment Summary

Victorian Curriculum Element	Descriptions & Elaborations (Summary)
AC9M4N04	Count by fractions including mixed numerals; locate and represent these fractions as numbers on number lines. Visual fraction models (bars, circles), and number line usage. Demonstration of mixed numbers. Equivalent fractions recognition. Addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators as part of understanding fractions as numbers.
Proficiency Fluent in Fraction Concepts aligned for Year 4 age group.	Use of concrete manipulatives and visual models to deepen fraction understanding.

This lesson plan explicitly addresses these curriculum outcomes, supporting the Victorian Curriculum requirements for Year 4 Mathematics（）.

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Teacher Tips to ‘Wow’

• Use technology such as interactive whiteboards or tablets if available to manipulate fraction visuals dynamically.
• Connect fractions with engaging real-world contexts such as cooking measurements or sports scoring.
• Incorporate playful competition during the number line activity with rewards for fastest accurate placements.
• Encourage mathematical discussions using language frames like:
  • “I agree/disagree because…”
  • “This fraction is equivalent to … because…”
• Reflect on how First Nations Australians’ knowledge about sharing and partitioning natural resources can relate to understanding fractions and fair shares, linking cross-curriculum priorities.

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This comprehensive, engaging, and Victorian curriculum-aligned lesson plan equips Year 4 teachers with structured yet lively approaches to confidently teach fractions, setting a strong foundation in this crucial mathematical topic.