Fractions - Fractions on a number line - Presentation

In the fourth lesson of a series on fractions, students will delve into the concept of placing fractions on a number line. To begin, the class will revisit the fundamentals of fractions, discussing what the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) represent. The lesson is designed to visually demonstrate fractions using a bar model and a number line. For example, students are shown how to represent one-quarter on a number line, with the help of a bar model divided into four equal parts. They will practice this skill with different fractions, ensuring they understand how to identify and place them accurately on a number line.

The lesson progresses with activities that challenge students to label divided parts of a number line with the correct fractions. They will learn that a whole number, such as 1, can be expressed as a fraction equivalent to the number of equal parts the number line is divided into, such as six-sixths or eight-eighths. Further activities include extending the number line beyond the whole number 1 and up to 2, dividing it into sixths and eighths, and labeling each fraction correctly. The lesson also incorporates reasoning tasks where students must analyse number lines drawn by fictional characters and correct any mistakes, as well as predict which fractions two characters will reach at the same time when counting in twos. Independent work reinforces their learning, asking students to show fractions on a number line, label it correctly, and divide it accurately. The lesson concludes with a discussion on how many equal parts a number line has been divided into, the representation of each interval, the similarities and differences between the bar model and the number line, and how to correctly place and label fractions larger than one whole.