Fractions - Find a half - Starter

In the 'Find a half' starter activity for Year 3 students, they are tasked with various exercises to demonstrate their understanding of fractions, particularly halving. The children are provided with numerical and word problems that require them to find half of given quantities. For example, they must calculate half of the product of 12 and sixty-three, which is 378, demonstrating their multiplication and division skills. They are also asked to solve equations, such as finding the number that, when multiplied by 7, equals 28. The students engage with real-life applications by completing a part whole model to show money amounts in pounds and pence, further enhancing their comprehension of halves in different contexts.

Additionally, the lesson includes a comparison activity where students use their knowledge of measurement to determine whether one length is longer than, shorter than, or the same as another. They compare given lengths in centimetres and convert between centimetres and metres to ascertain the correct relationship. For instance, they learn that 50 cm is shorter than 50 m. In a practical application of fractions, the children are presented with a scenario involving Malachi, who has 28 cakes and brings half to school. The students must figure out that he brought 14 cakes. These activities aim to strengthen the pupils' fluency in working with fractions and applying their knowledge to everyday situations.