Fractions - Find a half - Planning

Year 1 students are introduced to the concept of fractions, specifically focusing on recognising a half during their summer term. The lesson aims to teach children that a half means one of two equal parts of a whole, without yet introducing the fractional notation of 1/2. Using practical resources such as square paper and felt tip pens, alongside worksheets and a presentation, children engage in activities that help them understand and identify halves. They begin by folding paper shapes to visually and tangibly see the division into equal parts and discuss the results with their peers. The presentation aids in demonstrating what constitutes a whole and how it can be split into halves, using everyday objects such as an orange or a unifix tower as examples.

Throughout the lesson, interactive activities encourage students to work together, such as finding matching halves of shapes spread around the classroom to form a complete shape, ensuring that both parts are equal. Whiteboards and pens are used for children to draw and shade in halves, and to answer reasoning questions in pairs. Differentiated worksheets allow for independent practice, catering to varying levels of understanding from working towards the expected level to greater depth. The plenary includes a 'Give me five' reflection activity where students articulate what they have learned, the skills they used, any challenges faced, and the key takeaways from the lesson. The lesson also addresses common misconceptions, such as the incorrect belief that any two pieces make a half, stressing the importance of equal partitioning.