Exploring Halves and Quarters

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Lesson Overview

This fun and interactive maths lesson is tailored for Year 2, Key Stage 1 students under the UK National Curriculum. The focus is on understanding fractions, specifically halves and quarters, through practical exploration and hands-on activities. These concepts align with the curriculum area: Number – Fractions.

The lesson will emphasise inclusion, collaboration, and active learning, ensuring equality and diversity are integrated. All students will have opportunities to fully engage and build confidence in applying these early fraction concepts.

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Lesson Objective

By the end of the lesson, all students will:

1. Identify and understand halves and quarters as equal parts of a whole.
2. Practically divide shapes and objects into halves and quarters.
3. Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in small groups.

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Materials Needed

• Mini whiteboards and markers (for each student)
• Pre-cut shapes (e.g., circles, squares, rectangles) printed on card in various sizes
• Classroom-safe plastic knives and playdough or foam shapes (to "cut" fractions)
• Interactive whiteboard
• Fraction sorting cards (e.g., "half" and "not-half")

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Curriculum Focus

National Curriculum for Mathematics – Year 2

• "Recognise, find, name and write fractions 1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 as equal parts of a whole."
• "Recognise and use symbols for 1/2 and 1/4."

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Lesson Structure

Time Breakdown

5 Minutes: Warm-Up Activity
20 Minutes: Main Activity
5 Minutes: Plenary and Recap

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Warm-Up (5 minutes)

1. Greet the students and quickly revise prior knowledge: What is sharing? How do we share equally? Use simple examples like sharing apples between two people.

2. Introduce fractions as a special way of "sharing something into equal parts." Write "1/2" and "1/4" on the board and explain briefly.

3. Hand out mini whiteboards and markers. Ask students quick questions to assess initial understanding (e.g., "Draw something split into two equal parts"). Discuss their drawings to ensure all students understand "equal parts."

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Main Activity (20 minutes)

Interactive Demonstration (5 minutes):
Using the interactive whiteboard, show various pictures of shapes divided into "halves" and "not-halves." Ask the class: "Is this in equal parts? Why or why not?" Deepen understanding with real-life examples, like cakes being halved for sharing.

Hands-On Exploration (10 minutes):

Station 1: Shape Cutting Station

• Divide the students into small groups of 6. Each group receives pre-cut foam shapes and classroom-safe tools.
• Task: Explore dividing shapes (e.g., a foam circle) into halves and quarters. Check for equal parts!
• Encourage collaboration: Students help each other and describe "how" they are finding halves or quarters.

Station 2: Sorting Activity

• Provide students with fraction sorting cards (pictures of shapes and objects). Students work in small teams to sort cards into “halves,” “quarters,” or "not a fraction."

Group Discussion and Sharing (5 minutes):

• Bring the class back together. Invite groups to share their findings. For example: “How did you make your halves look equal? Was it tricky to make quarters?”

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Plenary and Recap (5 minutes)

1. Consolidate understanding by showing a few pictures of divided shapes on the interactive whiteboard. Ask students to hold up 1 or 2 fingers if the shape is cut into halves, 4 fingers for quarters, or no fingers if neither.

2. Encourage self-assessment: "Who feels confident about finding halves and quarters now?”

3. End the lesson with a “Fraction Cheer” from the class: “One-half, one-quarter, we’ve learned them today! Hurray!”

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Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity

• Differentiation: Ensure all students are supported. Provide simpler shapes for students who may require additional guidance, and offer more complex examples to challenge higher-achieving students.
• Visual and Practical Learning: Use visual aids, tactile materials (foam or playdough), and kinaesthetic activities to cater to all learning styles.
• Cultural Contexts: Include diverse examples when discussing sharing (e.g., dividing a naan, splitting a tortilla).
• Support for SEND Students: Use pairing and encouragement to ensure engagement. Provide additional visual prompts or adult/peer support as necessary.

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Teacher Notes

1. Assessment Opportunities: Walk around during group work to observe students’ understanding. Note who can identify equal vs. unequal parts independently.
2. Key Questions to Ask:
   • How do you know these parts are equal?
   • What happens if one part is bigger than another?
   • Can you think of where you've seen halves or quarters in real life?
3. Be prepared to extend learning for faster graspers or revisit basics for those needing reinforcement.

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By using everyday examples alongside hands-on activities and promoting teamwork, students will develop a foundational understanding of halves and quarters while engaging in active, meaningful learning!