Fractions - Add fractions - Planning

In a detailed plan for Year 3 students during a summer term lesson on fractions, the focus is on adding fractions with the same denominator. The session starts with a small step starter to recap previous learning, where children use practical examples, such as dividing an apple, to explore fractions. Cuisenaire rods, fraction circles, squares, and other visual aids support the learning process. Key vocabulary such as 'numerator', 'denominator', 'fraction story', 'whole', 'part', 'divided', 'unit fraction', and 'non-unit fraction' are introduced, with resources available to reinforce these terms. Students are encouraged to use these terms in a practical activity where they fold paper into eight parts, colour sections, and use the language to complete calculations, reinforcing the concept that in fractions with the same denominator, only the numerators are added.

The lesson progresses with various activities, including the use of number lines to draw parallels between adding whole numbers and fractions, helping to solidify the understanding that fractions are numbers too. Differentiated worksheets allow for independent practice, while reasoning questions encourage students to justify their answers using specific stem sentences. The plenary involves a 'Give me five' reflection where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and any challenges they faced. The lesson aims to address common misconceptions, such as the idea that both numerator and denominator need to be added when combining fractions. As the children's understanding deepens, they progress from using given models to complete calculations to drawing their own models and matching them with calculations, using their reasoning skills to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding.