Understanding Quarters

Lesson Overview

Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 20 pupils
Curriculum: Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
Level: Early Level, Year 1 (P1)

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Learning Intentions (WALT)

• WALT understand the concept of quarters in shapes.
• WALT identify and draw quarters of 2D shapes.
• WALT colour quarters correctly on given shapes.

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Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes (Es and Os):

• MTH 0-16a: Explore and recognise halves, quarters, and other simple fractions in familiar contexts.
• MTH 1-16a: Understand and use simple fractions as equal parts of a whole, including halves and quarters.
• MNU 0-03a: Recognise and use mathematical language to describe position and movement, supporting spatial reasoning.

Benchmarks:

• Early Level benchmark for personal achievement: Recognises halves and quarters of shapes when they are equally divided.
• Demonstrates ability to use mathematical vocabulary including “half” and “quarter”.
• Works cooperatively in groups to complete simple mathematical tasks.

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Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Correctly identify quarters of different 2D shapes.
• Accurately draw lines dividing shapes into four equal parts (quarters).
• Colour one quarter of given shapes confidently and correctly.
• Use correct language when explaining their work (e.g., “This is one quarter”).

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Resources Needed

• Interactive whiteboard and video on quarters of shapes
• Printed worksheets with large 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle) divided into quarters for colouring
• Blank shapes on paper for drawing quarters
• Coloured pencils/crayons
• Visual aids: fraction vocabulary cards (Half, Quarter, Whole)
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Start by revisiting halves of shapes briefly (2-3 minutes). Use images or quick questions.
• Introduce the video on quarters of shapes (4 minutes): A bright, clear video explaining what quarters are, and showing shapes divided into quarters. Ensure it uses simple, dyslexia-friendly captions and clear narration.
• After watching, discuss what quarters mean, linking to halves they already know. Use fraction vocabulary cards.
• Q&A: Ask pupils to show with fingers what a quarter means (one part out of four).

2. Group Activity Setup (30 minutes)

• Pupils split into two groups of 10.
• Each group rotates through two stations (15 minutes at each).

Station 1: Drawing Quarters (15 minutes)

• Pupils receive blank printed shapes (circle, square, rectangle).
• Task: Draw lines to divide each shape into four equal quarters.
• Teacher guides and supports, reminding pupils to be precise and use rulers if available.
• Support for learners with fine motor challenges: Use stencils or pre-printed lines to trace.

Station 2: Colouring Quarters (15 minutes)

• Pupils get printed shapes already divided into quarters.
• Task: Colour only one quarter on each shape.
• Encourage pupils to say aloud “I am colouring one quarter.”
• For pupils needing support: Provide pre-coloured examples or use stickers to mark quarters visually.

3. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather the class and ask volunteers to show their work.
• Recap key vocabulary: quarter, equal parts, whole.
• Ask pupils to explain in their own words what a quarter is.
• Positive reinforcement and encouragement.
• Set a challenge: “Can you find something at home that can be divided into quarters?”

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Differentiation

Learner Type	Differentiation Strategy
Additional Support Needs	Use larger shapes, provide tracing worksheets, allow use of haptic tools (e.g., playdough to model shapes). Use verbal prompts.
Advanced Learners	Encourage drawing quarters on more complex shapes (triangles, hexagons). Introduce the concept of quarters in real objects (e.g., slicing a watermelon).
Dyslexic Learners	Use dyslexia-friendly fonts on worksheets, break instructions into simple steps, use visual aids, repeat key vocabulary visually and orally.

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Assessment and Evaluation

• Monitor pupils during activities, noting ability to draw and recognise quarters.
• Use informal questioning to check understanding.
• Teacher observation checklist:
  • Can pupil name the fraction “quarter”?
  • Can pupil divide shapes into four equal parts?
  • Can pupil colour one quarter correctly?
• Post-lesson: Collect worksheets for review and give targeted feedback at next session.

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Extension Ideas for Home or Follow-up

• Pupils can practise folding paper into quarters (origami style) at home.
• Encourage finding “quarters” in the environment (e.g., quarter slices of fruit, quarter turns when playing games).
• Create a simple “Fraction Hunt” game where pupils find quarters in pictures or at home.

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This structured and engaging lesson plan aligns with the CfE curriculum and offers ample opportunities to reinforce fraction vocabulary and concepts in a multisensory way suitable for young learners.