Fractions - Making a whole activity - Starter

In a Year 1 mathematics lesson, students are presented with a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of fractions and basic arithmetic. The lesson begins with a 'Making a whole' starter activity, which prompts students to consider how fractions can be combined to make a whole number. This is followed by a 'Fluent in Four' revision segment, where students practice their subtraction skills, such as calculating the difference between 19 and 13, and understanding expressions like 'Twenty minus half of eighteen'. The focus on mental arithmetic encourages quick, confident calculations.

The lesson also includes a critical thinking exercise where students evaluate Zach's method of dividing shapes into halves. They are asked whether they agree with his approach and to justify their reasoning, which fosters analytical skills in recognising equal parts. Additionally, the lesson features a 'Fill in the missing numbers' activity, where students complete addition sentences based on a part-whole model. This activity reinforces the concept of addition and its relationship to making a whole. Finally, a comparative exercise asks students to identify the shortest among a set of objects, which introduces measurement and comparison to the day's learning objectives. These activities are carefully crafted to build foundational maths skills in a fun, engaging way.