Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 5 students to the concept of fractions using simple, relatable examples and hands-on activities. The lesson builds foundational understanding aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, focusing on identifying, reading, writing, and representing simple fractions as parts of a whole.

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Curriculum Links

Mathematics and Statistics - Number and Algebra: Rational Numbers (Years 5-6)

• Learning Objectives:
  • Identify, read, write, and represent halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, and eighths as fractions of sets and regions.
  • Use equal parts of the whole and position fractions on a number line.
  • Compare and order fractions with denominators 2, 4, 8, 3, 6, 5, 10.
  • Identify when two fractions are equivalent by direct comparison.
  • Understand numerator and denominator meanings.
• Thinking:
  • Develop multiplicative thinking through the concept of equal parts.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts:
  • Develop ability to say, read, and write fractions in symbols and words.
• Relating to Others:
  • Use practical, collaborative activities to build shared understanding.

(References: Te Mātaiaho Mathematics & Statistics Curriculum for Years 0–8, updated 2024【4:11,6,11,12,18†Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8】)

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Key Competencies

• Thinking: Develop understanding by recognising parts of a whole.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts: Use mathematical language such as numerator and denominator.
• Relating to Others: Collaborative group work to discuss and share ideas.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand what a fraction is: a representation of equal parts of a whole.
2. Identify and read simple fractions such as 1/2, 1/4, and 1/3.
3. Use physical and visual materials (like paper strips and fraction walls) to create and represent fractions.
4. Recognise and describe the numerator and denominator in simple fractions.
5. Place simple fractions on a number line.
6. Compare two simple fractions involving halves, quarters, and eighths.

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Resources

• Paper strips (A4 strips of paper for folding)
• Fraction walls or printed fraction wall charts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Number lines (marked 0 to 1)
• Scissors (for cutting paper strips)
• Counters or small objects for grouping
• Student notebooks
• Pre-prepared fraction flashcards (1/2, 1/4, 1/3, etc.)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Engagement (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick oral discussion: "Have you ever shared a pizza or cake? How did you make sure everyone got a fair part?"
• Show a whole pizza picture and ask how it could be shared equally.
• Introduce the word fraction: "A fraction represents how something is split into equal parts."

2. Direct Teaching: What is a fraction? (10 minutes)

• Demonstrate folding a paper strip into 2 equal parts for 1/2. Label numerator and denominator explicitly.
• Repeat folding into 4 parts for 1/4; fold into 3 parts for 1/3.
• Discuss the meaning of the denominator (how many equal parts) and numerator (how many parts considered).
• Write a few example fractions on the board and have students say them out loud.
• Explain that fractions can be numbers just like whole numbers and placed on a number line.

3. Guided Practice with Materials (10 minutes)

• Students fold their own paper strips to make 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.
• Use fraction walls printed or displayed; explore and compare sizes of 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8.
• Encourage students to explain their observations: "Which fraction is bigger? Why?"

4. Placing Fractions on Number Lines (8 minutes)

• Demonstrate placing 0, 1/2, 1, 1/4, 3/4 on a number line on the whiteboard.
• Hand out individual small number lines (0 to 1) to students.
• In pairs, students place fraction flashcards appropriately on their number lines.
• Discuss findings as a class, reinforcing relative sizes and positions.

5. Comparing Fractions Activity (7 minutes)

• Provide pairs/groups with fraction cards: 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 3/4, 1/3.
• Challenge students to order them from smallest to largest using the fraction walls and number lines.
• Ask selected groups to explain how they know which fraction is larger or if any are equivalent.

6. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap key words: numerator, denominator, fraction, equal parts.
• Ask students to verbalise what a fraction shows.
• Quick formative assessment: Show a shape (circle or rectangle) divided into equal parts and shade some. Ask students to write the fraction that represents the shaded part.
• Homework suggestion: At home, find examples of fractions in real life (pizza, chocolate bars, measuring cups).

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Assessment

• Observe student participation and engagement with hands-on activities.
• Listen to students' use of language (numerator, denominator, fraction) during explanations.
• Review their placement of fractions on number lines for accuracy.
• Use the exit question (shaded shape fraction writing) as a formative assessment of understanding.

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Teacher's Notes

• Emphasise clear, accessible language aligned with curriculum terminology.
• Use as many visual and tangible examples as possible to scaffold understanding.
• Encourage peer discussion for deeper reasoning.
• Make connections to everyday experiences (food sharing, time, money) to contextualise fractions.
• For diverse learners, adjust the pace or use more concrete objects and visuals.
• This introductory lesson prepares students for more complex fraction operations in later years.

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This lesson aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's Mathematics rational numbers strand for Year 5 students, focusing on meaningful, experiential learning to build foundational fraction knowledge【4:11,12,18†Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8】.