Fractions - Equivalent fractions - Planning

In the second week of the Summer term, Year 3 students embark on a journey to understand equivalent fractions. The lesson utilises practical resources such as strips of equally sized paper, alongside worksheets and a presentation, to bring the concept to life. The session begins with a review of prior knowledge, specifically the Year 2 objective that recognises the equivalence of 2/4 and 1/2. The children are encouraged to define 'equivalent' and provide examples through partner discussions. The lesson then moves onto a hands-on activity where they explore equivalent fractions using Cuisenaire or number rods, recording their findings and drawing comparisons to identify fractions that are the same in value but different in form.

As part of the lesson, the children are tasked with folding paper strips following instructions on their worksheets to discover equivalent fractions visually and tangibly. This activity prompts them to investigate how fractions can be divided into equal parts and to observe the patterns in numerators and denominators. They are challenged with key questions to deepen their understanding, such as the possibility of multiple equivalent fractions for a single value. The plenary includes a 'Give me five' reflection exercise, where students recap what they've learned, the skills they've employed, any challenges faced, and what they found helpful. They also make a 'pinkie promise' to remember the key lesson points. Differentiated outcomes are anticipated, with some children working towards the expected level by using visual instructions to find equivalents, while others work at the expected level by following directions without visual aids, demonstrating a deeper comprehension of equivalent fractions.