Introducing Basic Fractions

Lesson Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for Year 3 students (ages 7–8) to explore the foundational concept of fractions, aligned with the Cambridge Primary Mathematics Curriculum (Stage 3, Number Standard). The lesson uses hands-on activities and differentiation strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN).

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand what a fraction represents as part of a whole.
• WALT identify and name simple fractions such as 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.
• WALT use physical objects to demonstrate fractions in real-life contexts.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain a fraction as part of a whole.
• I can recognise and name the fractions 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.
• I can correctly partition objects or shapes into equal parts to show fractions.
• I can work with others to complete fraction-related activities.

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Curriculum Links

• Cambridge Primary Mathematics Curriculum, Number: Fractions, Stage 3 (Year 3)
  • Understanding fractions as parts of a whole.
  • Recognising and using unit fractions (1/n).
  • Comparing simple fractions with the same numerator or denominator.
• This lesson builds foundational knowledge required for later IGCSE Number and Algebra topics involving fractions (Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics syllabus 0580).

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Resources Needed

• Fraction circles or fraction tiles (physical manipulatives)
• Paper plates (to fold and partition)
• Pre-cut shape cards (circles, rectangles)
• Coloured markers or crayons
• Whiteboard and markers
• Visual fraction charts with images of everyday objects (e.g., pizza, chocolate bar)
• Worksheets with simple fraction problems (differentiated)

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Lesson Structure

Starter (5 minutes)

• Introduction: Real-life context
  Show a picture of a pizza divided into equal slices. Ask: "If I eat one slice out of four slices, what fraction of the pizza did I eat?"
  Use this to introduce the concept of fractions as part of a whole.

Main Teaching & Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Activity 1: Hands-on fraction exploration
  1. Give each student a paper plate and ask them to fold it to make halves, then quarters.
  2. Use coloured crayons to colour in specific fractions (colour 1/2 or 1/4).
  3. Use fraction circles/fraction tiles and ask students to match the coloured parts with names of fractions.
• Teacher prompts and questioning:
  • "How many parts is your plate divided into?"
  • "Which fraction shows the coloured part?"
  • Encourage students to explain their thinking aloud.

Differentiated Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Group work with tailored support:
  • SEN Support: Use larger, tactile fraction manipulatives and one-to-one verbal scaffolding. Provide step-by-step verbal instructions with modelling.
  • On-level learners: Complete matching fraction cards with names and coloured shapes.
  • Advanced learners: Explore simple fraction addition by combining parts (e.g., 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2) using manipulatives.

Independent Activity (5 minutes)

• Students complete a short worksheet matching shapes divided into fractions with their correct names. Worksheets are differentiated:
  • SEN: Worksheet with pictures and words only.
  • Core: Worksheet with shapes and fractions to name.
  • Advanced: Worksheet includes combining fractions and writing the answer.

Plenary & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Recap by asking students to share one fraction they learned today.
• Use thumbs-up/thumbs-down or a simple “show me” gesture on fraction cards to assess understanding.
• Quick oral quiz: "If this is one whole chocolate bar, what fraction is this piece?"

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use multi-sensory learning aids (visual, tactile, verbal).
• Provide visual cues and enlarged materials for SEN students.
• Pair SEN learners with supportive peers during group tasks.
• Offer extension opportunities for advanced learners by introducing fraction equivalence and simple addition.
• Use frequent praise and positive reinforcement to build confidence.
• Break down instructions and tasks into small, manageable steps.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Explore equivalence of fractions (e.g., 2/4 = 1/2) using fraction tiles.
• Begin introducing simple mixed numbers (e.g., 1 1/2) through practical examples like sharing a pizza and an additional half slice.
• Challenge: Create their own fractions using paper folding without teacher help and explain to the group.

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Reflection and Teacher Notes

• Observe participation and confidence levels, particularly for SEN students during practical activities.
• Adjust pace if necessary – allow extra time for folding or manipulating materials.
• Note which students required more verbal scaffolding for planning future lessons.
• Use formative assessment information from plenary to guide subsequent lessons on fractions and fraction problem solving.

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This lesson plan ensures a practical, inclusive, and curriculum-aligned introduction to fractions for Year 3 students and is structured to support a small group with diverse learning needs within the Cambridge Primary Mathematics programme.