Exploring Fractions Deeply

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 4 students, focusing on key fraction concepts aligned with the National Curriculum for England (Mathematics, Years 3 and 4). Students will deepen their understanding of recognising, finding, and writing fractions of a discrete set of objects and understanding fractions as numbers on a number line.

Curriculum Links

Mathematics - Number - Fractions (Years 3 and 4):
- Recognise and show, using diagrams, families of common equivalent fractions
- Count up and down in tenths; recognise that tenths arise from dividing an object into 10 equal parts and in dividing one-digit numbers or quantities by 10
- Recognise, find, and write fractions of a discrete set of objects: unit fractions and non-unit fractions with small denominators
- Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole
- Solve problems involving increasingly harder fractions to calculate quantities, and fractions to divide quantities, including non-unit fractions where the answer is a whole number

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and write fractions from a set of objects, focusing on unit and non-unit fractions (e.g., 1/4, 3/4).
Understand and represent fractions on a number line (recognise tenths and other simple fractions).
Solve simple problems involving fractions of shapes and quantities.

Success Criteria

Correctly write fractions to represent parts of a set and parts of a shape.
Accurately place fractions on a number line.
Confidently explain the meaning of numerator and denominator, using correct vocabulary.
Solve fraction problems in pairs or groups and justify their reasoning using diagrams.

Resources Needed

Fraction circles and fraction bars (manipulatives)
Whiteboards and pens for each student
Large number line displayed on the board (0 to 1 with tenths marked)
Printed worksheets with fraction sets and shapes
Visual timer (digital or analogue) — to encourage time awareness
Mini-whiteboards and markers for quick formative assessment
A mystery fraction envelope containing fractional puzzles

Lesson Breakdown

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Fraction Detective Challenge

Show images of various sets of objects (e.g., 12 apples with 3 red apples).
Ask: "Can you spot what fraction of the apples are red?"
Students write down the fraction on their mini-whiteboards.
Quick class share to reveal the fraction (e.g., 3/12, simplify to 1/4).
This activates prior knowledge and primes their thinking.

2. Introduction & Modelling (10 minutes)

Understanding Fractions of Sets and Shapes

Use fraction circles and bars to demonstrate fractions (e.g., splitting a circle into quarters and thirds).
Emphasise numerator (how many parts counted) and denominator (total parts).
Show different examples with unit (1/4) and non-unit fractions (3/4).
Use a large number line visual to place fractions like 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and tenths.
Model how to place a fraction on the line: discuss relative size.
Engage students by asking them to come to the board and place fraction cards on the number line.

3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

Fraction Exploration Stations (Group work — 6 groups of 5 students)
Set up 3 stations with tasks:

Station 1: Fraction of Sets
Use cards with pictures showing sets (e.g., 10 strawberries with 4 green). Students write the fraction representing the green strawberries and simplify if possible.
Station 2: Fractions on the Number Line
Provide blank number lines and fraction cards. Students place fractions such as 1/5, 3/5, and 7/10 on the number line, justifying their answers.
Station 3: Fraction Puzzles (Mystery Fraction)
Groups receive envelopes with puzzles: e.g., "I am a fraction greater than 1/2 but less than 1. I have a denominator of 8. Who am I?"
They must solve clues and represent the fraction visually.

Teacher circulates to prompt deeper thinking, encouraging students to explain their reasoning and use correct terminology.

4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Worksheet: Fractions in Context

Provide differentiated activity sheets:
- Core: Find and write fractions of set objects; place fractions on number lines.
- Challenge: Solve word problems involving fractions of quantities (e.g., “Sarah ate 3/8 of a cake; how much is left?”).
Students complete the worksheet independently, using manipulatives if needed.

5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

Fraction Quiz and Exit Ticket

Rapid-fire questions by teacher: "What fraction is this? Where does 3/10 go on the number line?"
Each student writes one fraction they have learned today and an example on a mini-whiteboard.
Collect boards for quick formative assessment to identify misconceptions.

Differentiation

Use concrete resources for students needing extra support to visualise fractions.
Provide extension challenges asking for equivalent fractions or fraction addition for advanced learners.
Sentence starters and vocabulary mats for EAL and SEN pupils to support language.

Assessment for Learning

Observations during group work – noting reasoning and accurate use of fraction vocabulary.
Mini-whiteboard responses in the plenary for immediate feedback on understanding.
Worksheet review to check mastery and misconceptions.

Cross-Curricular Links

English: Use of key mathematical vocabulary (numerator, denominator, equivalent).
Art: Visual representation of fractions via drawing and colouring fraction parts.

Reflection and Next Steps

Reflect on which fraction concepts were most challenging during the lesson.
Plan to incorporate more fraction equivalence and addition/subtraction in upcoming lessons.
Use assessment information to identify students who need reinforcements or challenges.

This lesson plan embeds active learning, concrete resources, and rich discussion to ensure all Year 4 children grasp fractions firmly in line with the National Curriculum. It moves beyond rote skills by encouraging critical thinking and confident mathematical communication.

Teaching Instructions