Exploring Fractions

Lesson Overview

Curriculum Area: Mathematics
Level: Key Stage 2, National Curriculum for England
Focus: Fractions – Including equivalence, comparing, and problem-solving

This lesson engages a class of 30 Year 6 students in an interactive, hands-on approach to fractions. The session combines real-life applications, visual learning, collaborative work, and individual challenges to deepen understanding and solidify skills around fractions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this 45-minute session, students will be able to:

• Identify and find equivalent fractions with common denominators.
• Compare and order fractions with different denominators by converting them.
• Solve problems involving fractions in real-life contexts.

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Resources Needed

• Mini whiteboards and pens (one per student)
• Fraction circles or fraction bars (enough for students to share in pairs)
• Pre-prepared “fraction pizza templates” per pair
• Differentiated task sheets with problem-solving challenges
• An interactive board or flipchart for whole-class modelling
• Coloured card matching activity (fraction equivalence)
• A stopwatch or timer for timed activities

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction/Hook (5 minutes)

A Fractional Problem Riddle:
Write this problem on the board as students enter the room:
"I am a fraction. My numerator is half my denominator, and my denominator is greater than 6 but less than 12. What fraction am I?"

Encourage students to discuss in pairs for one minute before selecting a few volunteers to share answers. Use this to quickly highlight key vocabulary (numerator, denominator) and build curiosity.

2. Interactive Mini-lesson (10 minutes)

Step 1: Recap on Equivalent Fractions

• Show a large fraction circle on the board divided into 8 parts, shading 4 out of 8. Ask: What fraction is shaded?
• Use questioning to draw out that 4/8 is equivalent to 1/2. Explore how and why this works using visual aids like fraction bars and diagrams.

Step 2: Converting Denominators

• Example Problem: Compare 2/3 and 3/4.
• Model finding a common denominator step-by-step on the board:
  • Multiply the denominators 3 and 4 to get 12.
  • Convert both fractions: 2/3 = 8/12, 3/4 = 9/12.
  • Compare the fractions and determine which is greater based on numerators.

Step 3: Application Challenge (Paired Work)
Provide students with fraction circles or bars. Ask them to create and identify their own pair of equivalent fractions, showing their working on mini whiteboards.

Engage students by “spot-checking” pairs or allowing volunteers to explain their reasoning.

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3. Guided Activity (10 minutes)

Matching Game: Fraction Equivalence

• Provide coloured card sets with mismatched pairs: one card has a fraction (e.g., 3/6), and another card has its equivalent represented visually (e.g., a circle with half shaded).
• Students work as a group of four, racing to match equivalent pairs as fast as possible.
• Reflect on any that were tricky, reinforcing the importance of shared denominators or visualisation.

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4. Independent Task (15 minutes)

Differentiated Problem-Solving Tasks:
Using three levels of complexity, students work individually to consolidate their understanding:

1. Mild: Identify equivalent fractions (e.g., 2/4 = 1/2) using simple visual aids.
2. Spicy: Compare simple fractions with different denominators by converting to a common base.
3. Hot: Solve multi-step word problems involving fractions in real-life contexts (e.g., “If Jack ate 3/8 of a pizza and Sarah ate 1/4, what fraction is left?”).

Encourage students to check their work with peers or discuss strategies at their tables. Float around the room and support anyone struggling to simplify or find equivalence.

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5. Plenary/Reflection (5 minutes)

Quiz Time: Show Me Boards
Pose quick-fire fraction questions, such as:

• Write an equivalent fraction for 3/9.
• Which is bigger: 5/6 or 3/4? Show your working.
• Simplify 12/16 to its lowest terms.

Students write answers on their mini whiteboards and hold them up. Provide instant feedback and clarify misconceptions as needed.

Class Discussion: Wrap up by asking:

• How can fractions be helpful in everyday life?
• What strategy worked best for comparing fractions today?

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Extension Opportunities

For students who complete tasks early or need further challenge:

• Explore improper fractions and their relationship to mixed numbers.
• Create a “fraction story” or real-life problem involving a recipe, a shopping scenario, or sharing food.

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Homework/Follow-up

Assign a “Fraction Scavenger Hunt” sheet for students to find examples of fractions in real life. For instance, they might divide a pizza, cut a cake, or look at measurements in a recipe. Ask them to write 3 different examples and explain how they used fractions.

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Teacher Notes

This lesson is designed to hit key learning targets from the Year 6 Mathematics National Curriculum, particularly:

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Use common factors to simplify fractions.
  • Use common multiples to express fractions with the same denominator.
  • Compare and order fractions, including fractions >1.

Ensure a balance of peer discussion, hands-on practice, and independent tasks. Tailor support where needed and celebrate all successes, big and small!