Fractions - Equivalent fractions - Starter

In a practical Year 3 mathematics lesson, students explore the concept of equivalent fractions using hands-on activities. The lesson is part of the Summer Term curriculum, taking place on Week 2, Day 4. To begin with, students are asked to prepare equal strips of paper for the activity. With these strips, they create a visual representation of fractions by folding one strip into half and another into quarters. By placing the halves over the quarters, students can lift one half to see how it compares in size to the quarters, discovering that two quarters are equivalent to one half. This simple yet effective exercise helps to cement their understanding of how fractions can represent the same value in different forms.

Additionally, the lesson includes a problem-solving component where students are challenged to calculate the reduction in price of a t-shirt during a sale. The original price of the t-shirt is £6.40, and the sale price is £4.35. Students must determine the difference in cost, which is a reduction of £2.05. This exercise not only reinforces subtraction skills but also introduces practical applications of mathematics in everyday situations, such as understanding discounts and savings. The lesson is designed to be engaging and interactive, fostering a deeper grasp of fractions and their real-world relevance.