Fractions - Subtract fractions - Planning

The curriculum for Year 3 students in the summer term includes a week dedicated to learning how to subtract fractions with the same denominator. This lesson incorporates a variety of resources, such as worksheets and presentations, along with tactile learning tools like Cuisenaire rods and fraction circles/squares. Key vocabulary terms like 'fractions', 'subtraction', 'numerator', and 'denominator' are introduced, with vocabulary cards and definitions available to support students' understanding. The lesson begins with a starter activity that prompts students to recap their previous knowledge on adding fractions. Through practical examples, such as using a chocolate bar, students are encouraged to visualise the subtraction process. They learn to represent their answers using models like bar models, area models, and number lines, reinforcing the concept that when subtracting fractions with the same denominator, only the numerators are subtracted.

Further activities challenge students to notice patterns in the models provided and to create their own fraction stories. By examining part-whole models and using stem sentences, students explore the relationship between the whole and its parts, determining the most efficient operation to use. The lesson aims to consolidate understanding through reasoning questions, encouraging students to justify their answers with clear explanations. A plenary session addresses common misconceptions, such as mistakenly subtracting both the numerator and denominator. Finally, a reflective 'Give me five' activity encourages students to consider what they have learned, the skills they have used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key takeaway: when subtracting fractions with the same denominator, only the numerator changes. Different levels of mastery are catered for, from working towards using pictorial representations for subtraction to achieving greater depth by creating their own calculations and matching models with calculations.