Fractions - Non-unit fractions - Planning

In a Year 3 mathematics lesson centred around fractions, the focus is on understanding non-unit fractions. The lesson begins with a starter activity that revisits previous knowledge, where students are introduced to fractions like 2/3 and 3/4, and explore the concept of equivalent fractions representing one whole. The key vocabulary for the session includes terms such as 'fractions', 'quantity', 'numerator', 'denominator', and 'equivalent', among others. Children engage in partner work to articulate their understanding of fractions, using full sentences to explain their reasoning. Resources such as differentiated sheets and teaching slides are provided to aid the learning process.

The session is structured with three main activities. The first activity helps children identify shaded fractions, understand the role of the numerator and denominator, and recognise how these values change when additional parts are shaded. In the second activity, students learn about dividing shapes to represent quarters, thirds, and halves, and what it means when a fraction is equivalent to one whole. The third activity delves deeper into the concept of the denominator and numerator, with reasoning exercises that challenge students to identify mistakes and find equivalent fractions. The lesson concludes with a plenary where students reflect on what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging. Differentiated support is provided for varying levels of understanding, from 'Working Towards' to 'Greater Depth', ensuring all children are equipped to grasp the fundamental concepts of non-unit fractions.