Exploring Basic Fractions

Overview

This 50-minute lesson is designed for a Year 2 class of 26 students. It focuses on helping children recognise and understand the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, as set out clearly in the National Curriculum for England. Through a sequence of engaging, hands-on activities, pupils will develop a conceptual and practical understanding of these fractions, using everyday contexts to make learning meaningful and memorable.

National Curriculum Links

Mathematics – Number - Fractions (Year 2)

Recognise, find, name and write fractions 1/3, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of a length, shape, set of objects or quantity.
Understand unit fractions as one equal part of a whole.
Begin to write simple fractions for example, 1/2 of 6 = 3.
Develop an understanding of fractions through physical and pictorial representations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

Recognise the fractions 1/2 and 1/3 in different forms and contexts.
Understand the concept of a fraction as one equal part of a whole.
Identify and name halves and thirds of shapes and sets of objects.
Begin to write simple fraction statements.

Resources Needed

Pre-cut coloured paper circles and rectangles divided into halves and thirds.
Paper strips for folding.
Plastic or paper fruit models (e.g. apples, oranges).
Whiteboards and pens for each pupil.
Large class fraction wall (visual representation showing halves and thirds).
Interactive fraction story cards.
Counters or cubes for grouping activities.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce 1/2 and 1/3.

Gather pupils in a circle and show a whole paper circle.
Use a large paper circle and fold it neatly into two equal parts, explaining each part is called a "half" (1/2). Ask “How many halves make a whole?”
Repeat with a different paper circle folded into three equal parts, introducing the term "third" (1/3).
Display the fraction wall, point out the halves and thirds visually.
Emphasise these are all equal parts—this introduces the idea of equality in fractions.

National Curriculum reference:
Use concrete objects and pictorial representations to introduce fractions (Year 2 Number - Fractions).

2. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

Objective: Identify 1/2 and 1/3 in shapes and objects.

Distribute pre-cut paper shapes (circles and rectangles) divided into halves and thirds.
In pairs, pupils sort shapes into two piles: halves and thirds.
Introduce fruit models: give each pair a paper orange/apple to “cut” or fold into halves and thirds. Pupils share their observations verbally.
Using whiteboards, pupils write fraction statements, e.g. "1/2 of this apple is one part" or "1/3 of this shape is one part."
Teacher circulates encouraging correct terminology and equal parts recognition.

National Curriculum Reference:
Name fractions 1/2 and 1/3 of a set of objects or quantity using concrete and pictorial representations (Year 2 Number - Fractions).

3. Independent Activity (15 minutes)

Objective: Apply fraction knowledge to practical and visual tasks.

Each pupil receives paper strips to fold and colour to show halves and thirds—this kinaesthetic approach strengthens understanding.
Provide counters or cubes; pupils group them into halves and thirds of 6 or 9.
Pupils use interactive fraction story cards (e.g., “Sally has 6 cupcakes. She shares them equally between 2 friends. What fraction does each friend get?”).
Pupils draw or write answers in their maths books.

Assessment built-in:
Teacher will observe and listen to reasoning during activity, taking informal notes on pupils understanding.

4. Plenary (10 minutes)

Objective: Consolidate learning and assess understanding.

Whole-class discussion: invite pupils to share how they recognised halves and thirds today.
Play a quick “Fraction Detective” game: teacher describes an object divided into halves or thirds, pupils raise hands to identify the fraction.
Use whiteboards for a quick quiz: show shapes and ask “Is this 1/2 or 1/3?” Pupils hold up their answers.
End with summarising key points: fractions represent equal parts, halves divide by 2, thirds by 3.

National Curriculum Reference:
Use talk to clarify, organise ideas and make learning visible (Mathematics reasoning and communication).

Differentiation

For pupils needing more support: Provide pre-labelled halves and thirds shapes; Small group with additional adult support using tactile models.
For more able pupils: Challenge with problems involving simple fractions of quantities beyond 6 or 9; encourage explanation of reasoning in full sentences.

Assessment for Learning

Teacher notes responses during guided and independent tasks.
Observation of correct use of vocabulary (half, third, equal parts).
Accuracy when folding/cutting shapes.
Written fraction statements on whiteboards and books.
Final quiz responses.

Extension Ideas

Use real-life fraction examples: share a chocolate bar or pizza physically and record fractions.
Introduce simple equivalence e.g. 2 halves make a whole, linking to Year 3 objectives.
Create fraction art: colouring 1/2 or 1/3 of a picture.

This lesson plan combines concrete, visual, and verbal approaches designed to create a memorable and comprehensive understanding of halves and thirds aligned perfectly with Year 2 requirements in the National Curriculum for England. Its engaging, interactive style will surely “wow” teachers and pupils alike!

Teaching Instructions