Exploring Finding Half

Overview

This 15-minute interactive session introduces Year 1 pupils to the concept of finding half, aligned with the National Curriculum for England’s Mathematics Programme of Study: Number – Fractions (Y1). The lesson is designed for a class of 18 children, focusing on practical, visual activities with minimal resource preparation, encouraging hands-on learning and imagination.

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National Curriculum Reference

Mathematics – Year 1

• Number – Fractions
  • Recognise, find and name a half as one of two equal parts of an object, shape or quantity.
    (Ref: NC Year 1 Maths Programme of Study, Number – Fractions)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Understand that ‘half’ means splitting an object or quantity into two equal parts.
• Be able to show half of a shape by cutting or colouring.
• Begin to find half of a small quantity of objects practically.

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Resources Needed (Minimal & Easy Set-Up)

• Paper plates or cardboard circles (one per pair)
• Crayons/markers
• A basket with small items for counting (e.g., buttons, counters, beads – 10 per basket)
• Large visual “half” cards (prepared before lesson – showing shapes divided into halves)
• Space on the floor or tables

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle. Show a paper plate and ask:
  “What happens if I fold this plate into two parts?”
• Fold the plate in half, show both halves are the same size. Explain:
  “Half means splitting into two equal parts. Both parts are the same.”
• Use clear, simple language consistent with NC terminology: “half, equal parts.”

Visual Aid: Use a large paper circle split into halves, showing equal parts clearly.

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2. Guided Hands-On Activity (7 minutes)

• Divide children into pairs; give each pair a paper plate and crayons.
• Activity:
  • Fold the plate in half themselves with adult support.
  • Colour one half of their plate carefully.
  • Share with their partner – “This is half the plate.”
• Introduce the counting element: Give each pair 10 small items. Together, ask:
  “Can you split these into two equal groups? This is half of the 10.”
• Encourage children to say aloud: “Five is half of ten because it is equal.”

Differentiation:

• Support less confident learners by using fewer objects (e.g., 4 or 6 counters instead of 10).
• For children with fine motor difficulties, allow them to place items on the floor instead of folding plates.

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3. Group Interactive Challenge (4 minutes)

• Bring children back to a circle and show large visual “half” cards with various shapes: rectangle, square, circle, triangle.
• Ask:
  “Can you find the halves? Which side is half?”
• Encourage children to come forward and point or place stickers on halves.
• Add a fun twist: Introduce a “Half Detective” role, where a child looks for halves around them (shapes on the classroom walls or objects they see).

Extension for Advanced Learners:

• Challenge them to find half of an odd number of objects (e.g., 7), discussing why half might not be a whole number in this case.
• Encourage them to draw and colour halves of shapes on blank paper.

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4. Plenary & Assessment (1-2 minutes)

• Recap key idea: “Half means two equal parts.”
• Ask quick whole-class questions:
  “Show me half of this plate with your hands.”
  “If you have 8 counters, how many is half?”
• Use thumbs up/down to assess confidence and understanding quickly.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Strategy	Resource Adaptation
Less confident	Use smaller quantities	Counters reduced to 4 or 6
Visual-spatial	Use folding and colouring shapes	Large visual half cards
Motor skill challenges	Allow placing items instead of folding	Use larger crayons, fewer folding actions
Advanced	Challenge with odd numbers	Drawing own halves, conceptual discussion

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Extension Ideas for Early Finishers

• Create halves of different everyday objects using classroom items (paper, pencils).
• Try halving shapes on mini whiteboards or chalkboards, drawing and labelling halves themselves.
• Explore quarters by folding the plate twice and discussing further equal parts.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Encourage language of equality and fairness to embed the concept of ‘equal parts’.
• Reinforce vocabulary throughout – half, equal, parts, split.
• Use praise to motivate; e.g., “Great half detecting!”
• Keep hands-on moments brisk to maintain engagement in short 15 minutes.

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This lesson plan promotes active engagement, supports diverse learners, and places imagination at the heart of understanding halves, adhering strictly to the National Curriculum for Year 1.