Fractions Fun

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of fractions.
2. Identify and write fractions.
3. Compare and order fractions.
4. Apply their understanding of fractions to solve problems.

Curriculum Alignment

• Mathematics Programme of Study: Key Stage 2
• Year 4: Fractions (including decimals)
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • Recognise and show, using diagrams, families of common equivalent fractions.
    • Count up and down in hundredths; understand that hundredths arise when dividing an object by one hundred and dividing tenths by ten.
    • Solve problems that involve increasingly harder fractions to calculate quantities and fractions to divide quantities, including non-unit fractions where the answer is a whole number.
    • Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard
• Fraction cards
• Fraction circles and bars (manipulatives)
• Exercise books
• Pencils and erasers
• Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) and projector

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

Starter Activity: Quickfire Fractions

1. Engage students with a quickfire round of questions:
   • Write fractions on the board and ask students to identify the numerator and the denominator.
   • Show simple everyday items (e.g., a sliced apple, a divided pizza) and ask students what fraction each part represents.
2. Recap previous material:
   • Ask students to share what they know about fractions to ensure a smooth transition into today's lesson.

Direct Instruction (10 minutes)

Teaching the Concept: Fractions Using Visuals

1. On the whiteboard, draw a few simple shapes (circles, rectangles), divide them into equal parts, and shade sections to represent fractions:
   • For example, draw a circle and shade 1 out of 4 parts: "This is 1/4 of the circle."
2. Use fraction circles and bars to demonstrate fractions further.
3. Explain Equivalent Fractions:
   • Show students how 1/2 is the same as 2/4 by shading the relevant sections in different shapes.
   • Emphasise that the fractions are different yet equal.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Hands-On Activity: Fraction Manipulatives

1. Distribute fraction cards and manipulatives to students.
2. Ask students to find pairs of equivalent fractions using the fraction bars or circles.
3. Walk around the classroom to provide support and ensure students understand the concept.

Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Worksheet: Comparing and Ordering Fractions

1. Hand out a worksheet with a variety of fraction problems.
2. Ask students to:
   • Identify and write down fractions of shaded parts.
   • Compare fractions using < > = symbols.
   • Order a set of fractions from smallest to largest.

Example Questions for Worksheet:

• Shade 3 out of 8 parts and write the fraction.
• Which is larger: 1/3 or 1/4? (Use fraction bars to help).
• Order the following fractions from smallest to largest: 1/2, 1/6, 2/3.

Plenary (5 minutes)

Wrap-Up and Review

1. Interactive Whiteboard Activity:
   • Use the IWB to review key concepts covered.
   • Invite students to come up and solve a few problems on the board, demonstrating their understanding.
2. Quick Exit Ticket:
   • On a small piece of paper, ask students to write down one thing they learned about fractions today and one question they still have.

Homework

Fraction Challenges

Assign a series of fraction word problems to be completed at home. Encourage students to use everyday items (like slicing fruits) to visualise and solve the problems.

Example Homework Problem:

• If you have 8 slices of pizza and you eat 3 slices, what fraction of the pizza have you eaten? What fraction is left?

Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during the lesson.
• Homework will be reviewed to assess understanding of the day's concepts.
• Use the exit tickets to gauge areas that may need additional review in the next lesson.

Differentiation

• For advanced learners: Provide more challenging fractions involving mixed numbers.
• For struggling students: Use additional visual aids and one-on-one support as needed.

Cross-Curricular Connection

Art: Create a "Fraction Art" gallery where students use paints to colour sections of various shapes to represent different fractions.

Physical Education: Incorporate fractions into PE activities, such as dividing teams or equipment into parts.

By engaging students with diverse and interactive fraction activities, we aim to solidify their understanding and application of fractions in both mathematical problems and real-world contexts.