Fractions - Recognise a third - Starter

In a Year 2 mathematics lesson, students are introduced to the concept of fractions, specifically recognising a third. The session begins with a warm-up activity called 'Fluent in Four', which serves as a revision tool where pupils tackle subtraction problems such as calculating the difference between 83 and 58, and finding half of 96 before subtracting six ones and three tens. The exercises are designed to consolidate their arithmetic skills and set the stage for the day's learning focus, which is understanding and identifying fractions of a whole.

The lesson continues with practical exercises that encourage students to engage with fractions in a tangible way. They are asked to add parts of a whole together, with questions formatted as blank equations for them to fill in, such as "____ + ____ = ____" and "____ = ____ + ____", with examples including 6 and 4. Additionally, students apply their knowledge by sharing (drawing) 8 pencils equally into 4 pots, which helps them visualise the concept of division and fractions. They are prompted to determine what one half and one quarter of 8 is, reinforcing their understanding of common fractions. The lesson also includes a comparative exercise where students must identify the heaviest object, integrating measurement and comparison into their learning experience.