Understanding Fractions

Duration: 50 minutes

Year Level: Year 4

Subject Area: English with a Mathematical Focus (Cross-curricular approach)

Curriculum Link:
Mathematics - Number and Algebra: Fractions and Decimals
Australian Curriculum Content Descriptor: ACMMG084 – Investigate equivalent fractions used in contexts.
English - Literacy: Interpreting, analysing and evaluating
Australian Curriculum Content Descriptor: ACELY1692 – Use comprehension strategies to build literal and inferred meaning.

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Lesson Overview

This creative and engaging cross-curricular lesson incorporates fractions into an English storytelling and comprehension activity, ideal for a class of two Year 4 students. This allows students to develop fraction skills (numerator, denominator, equivalent fractions) while practising their descriptive writing and oral communication.

By combining storytelling with fractions, the students will explore a "Fraction Adventure", making abstract mathematical concepts relatable while enhancing their literacy skills.

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Learning Intentions

1. Students will understand the basic concept of fractions, including numerator, denominator, and equivalent fractions.
2. Students will apply fractions in a storytelling context to deepen comprehension and engagement.
3. Students will work collaboratively to create and present their fraction story.

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Success Criteria

• Students can identify and explain fractions in real-world contexts (e.g., ½ of an apple).
• Students demonstrate creativity by crafting a descriptive story involving fractions.
• Students can clearly communicate their ideas orally and demonstrate understanding of equivalent fractions.

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Resources Needed

• Small whiteboard or A4 paper and markers
• "Fraction Adventure" Story Worksheet (pre-created by the teacher, blank template for students)
• Fraction visual aids (e.g., fraction circles or blocks)
• Small snacks (e.g., an apple or chocolate broken into pieces for practical understanding of fractions)
• Timer for pacing (if needed)

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Lesson Outline

1. Tuning In (Introduction) – 5 minutes

• Begin with a quick review of fractions. Draw a pizza on the whiteboard and ask:

  • “If this pizza is divided into 4 equal parts, what is one part called?” (¼)
  • “How many parts make up the whole pizza?” (4 parts, or 4/4)
  • Introduce the terms "numerator" (top number) and "denominator" (bottom number).

• Engage the students with real-world examples, like sharing chocolate bars or apples, emphasising equal sharing as fractions. Use snacks to visually demonstrate (e.g., "This apple is cut into 4 parts; if I eat 2, what fraction have I eaten?").

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2. Discovering New Concepts – 15 minutes

Activity 1: Fraction Sorting Game

• Provide pre-made fraction cards (e.g., ½, ⅓, ¾, ⅖) and ask the students to work together to sort them into categories:
  • "Greater than one-half"
  • "Less than one-half"
• Discuss equivalent fractions using the visual aids: "Is 2/4 the same as ½? Why?"

Activity 2: Equivalent Fractions with Snacks

• Hand each student a snack (e.g., a chocolate bar cut into squares).
  • Ask: “What fraction is one square of your chocolate bar?”
  • Lead them to discover equivalent fractions using the same snack (e.g., cutting ⅓ into smaller equal parts to make 2/6).

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3. Collaborative Task: Writing a Fraction Story – 20 minutes

Step 1: Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

• Explain the "Fraction Adventure". Students will work together to create a short story about a character solving a fraction-based problem.

  • Example Introduction: "Tim the kangaroo is lost in the bush and must share food fairly between his animal friends. How will fractions help him?”

• Provide a blank template of a story map (with sections for characters, setting, problems, and solutions involving fractions). Encourage creativity. For example:

  • Characters: “A wombat who wants ¾ of a carrot and a kookaburra who eats ½.”
  • Problem: "Tim only has 1 whole carrot. How will he divide it?"

Step 2: Writing and Illustrating (10 minutes)

• Allow the students to write their story collaboratively, filling in their "Fraction Adventure" templates. Encourage them to draw supporting diagrams (e.g., Tim dividing the carrot into 4 equal pieces).

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4. Sharing and Reflection – 10 minutes

Oral Presentation – 5 minutes

• Ask the students to present their Fraction Adventure story to the class (each taking turns to read parts).
• Encourage them to show their diagrams and explain the fractions they used.

Class Discussion – 5 minutes

• Facilitate a short reflective discussion:
  1. What new things did you learn about fractions today?
  2. Was it easy or hard to use fractions in your storytelling? Why?
  3. Can you think of other places where fractions might be helpful in real life?

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Advanced Learners: Introduce more complex equivalent fractions (e.g., 3/9 = 1/3) or improper fractions (e.g., 5/4 = 1 ¼). Challenge them to include these in their story.
• For Struggling Learners: Use more visual aids and hands-on examples. Provide extra scaffolding, such as sentence starters for their story ("There were ___ pieces of chocolate, and I ate ___, so I had ___ left.")

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Assessment Opportunities

• Informal observation: Monitor students' understanding of fractions during the sorting game and snack activity.
• Story assessment: Check for accurate application of fraction concepts in the Fraction Adventure story.
• Oral presentation: Assess clarity of explanation and understanding of equivalent fractions.

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Extension Activity (Optional)

For early finishers or homework, challenge students to draw a "Fraction Feast" menu, dividing foods into fractions (e.g., ½ a sandwich, ⅓ of a cake) and labelling them.

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This lesson uniquely combines English and Maths, ensuring students are actively engaged and enhancing both literacy and numeracy skills in a fun, age-appropriate way.