Lesson Plan for Year 1-3 Math: Introduction to Fractions

Objective

Students will gain an introductory understanding of fractions, learning how to identify and create fractions using physical objects.

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum standards for Mathematics and Statistics, specifically targeting Level 1 students:

• Number and Algebra (Geometry & Measurement): "[Students should be able to] sort objects into sets and describe the features of the set.](https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/The-New-Zealand-Curriculum/Mathematics-and-statistics)"

Resources Needed

• A variety of fruits (like apples, oranges, and bananas)
• Plastic knives (for teacher use)
• Fraction circles or fraction bars
• Worksheets with simple fraction exercises
• A whiteboard and markers

Lesson Details

Duration

30 minutes

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on what fractions are: parts of a whole.
• Use an example such as a chocolate bar or a pizza, asking how they might share it with friends to ensure everyone gets an equal part.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

Activity Part 1: Fraction Manipulatives (10 minutes)

• Distribute fraction circles or bars to each student.
• Show a whole circle/bar and demonstrate dividing it into 2, 3, and 4 equal parts.
• Ask students to do the same with their sets, identifying 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.

Activity Part 2: Real-World Application – Fractional Fruit Salad (10 minutes)

• Bring out the various fruits.
• Demonstrate cutting an apple into halves, quarters, and so forth, explaining each fraction.
• Safety Note: Only the teacher should handle knives, students observe.
• Discuss how each piece represents a fraction of the original whole fruit.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap the concept of fractions as parts of a whole and emphasize vocabulary like "halves," "quarters," and "thirds."
• Hand out the worksheets for students to practice drawing and coloring parts of shapes to match given fractions.
• Give a quick verbal quiz: e.g., "If I cut a cake into 4 equal pieces and take one, what fraction of the cake do I have?"

Assessment

• Observe student participation during activities.
• Review completed worksheets to assess understanding.

Follow-Up

Encourage students to practice with their fraction sets at home. Offer worksheets that can be done with family members to reinforce the concept of sharing and dividing wholes into equal parts.

Additional Learning Opportunities

• Introduce basic equivalent fractions using real-world scenarios or continue manipulating fraction bars.

This lesson provides a tactile and visual method to help students grasp the basics of fractions, according to the learning needs and levels outlined by the New Zealand Curriculum for students in Years 1 through 3.