Fractions - Make equal parts - Planning

In the Year 2 curriculum, a key focus for Spring's first week is on fractions, specifically the concept of making equal parts. The National Curriculum objectives set out the goal for students to recognise, find, name, and write fractions such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4, whether it be of a length, shape, set of objects, or quantity. They are also expected to write simple fractions, for instance, understanding that 1/2 of 6 equals 3, and to recognise the equivalence of fractions like 2/4 and 1/2. The key vocabulary for this unit includes terms such as equal, unequal, whole, part(s), half, halves, numerator, denominator, quarter(s), and fraction. These terms are crucial for the children to grasp the fundamental concepts of fractions.

The lesson begins with a recap of what constitutes a whole and how to make and recognise equal and unequal parts, using both tangible objects and pictorial representations. A large picture of a pizza and small paper shapes are used as visual aids to demonstrate the division of an object into equal parts, such as halves or quarters. During partner work, children are encouraged to articulate their understanding, using full sentences to explain how they know if parts are equal or unequal. The lesson includes activities such as exploring different ways to split a shape into equal parts and identifying whether presented shapes or quantities are divided equally or not. Key questions prompt students to consider the whole versus the parts, the number of parts an object is split into, and the equality of those parts. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used or found challenging, and what they will remember for future lessons. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of understanding, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth in the concept of making equal groups.