Fractions - Fractions of an amount (1) - Planning

In the fourth week of the Spring term, Year 4 students embark on a journey to master fractions of amounts. The National Curriculum objectives for this unit are to solve problems involving increasingly challenging fractions for calculating quantities and dividing quantities, including non-unit fractions that result in whole numbers. The key vocabulary for the unit includes terms such as 'fraction', 'numerator', 'denominator', 'bar model', 'unit fraction', 'non-unit fraction', and 'quantity'. These terms are fundamental to understanding the concept of fractions and are used throughout the lessons. Students are encouraged to visit specific websites to reinforce their understanding of fractions through engaging videos and articles.

The lesson plan begins with a starter activity where children recap previous learning, followed by class teaching input where the concept of unit fractions is explored using practical tools such as counters and bar models. Students will engage in activities that involve grouping objects to find unit fractions of amounts and using bar models to visually represent and calculate fractions. The lesson aims to address common misconceptions, such as the difficulty in relating the number of equal groups to the corresponding fraction. The 'Give me five' reflection activity prompts students to consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and any challenges they faced during the lesson. Differentiated worksheets are provided to cater to varying levels of understanding, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth in the concept of fractions.