Fractions - Calculate quantities - Planning

Year 4 students are set to deepen their understanding of fractions in this engaging lesson, which focuses on calculating quantities. The lesson starts with a quick recap of previous learning, followed by a hands-on approach to fractions using practical equipment like counters. Students will learn to calculate unit fractions and extend this knowledge to find non-unit fractions of amounts. The key vocabulary for the lesson includes terms such as 'fraction', 'numerator', 'denominator', and 'bar model', among others. The use of bar models serves as a visual aid to help children grasp the concept of dividing quantities into parts, further reinforcing their understanding of fractions.

The lesson comprises three main activities. In the first activity, students use counters and a bar model to calculate fractions such as 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 of given amounts, ensuring they comprehend how many counters make up one part. The second activity involves filling in blanks in a table to find the whole, unit fraction, and non-unit fraction. The third activity is a word problem that encourages students to dissect the problem and calculate fractions of a quantity, using number lines to support their calculations. The lesson concludes with differentiated worksheets, allowing students to work independently and reinforce their newly acquired skills. Reflective questions prompt students to consider what they have learned and how they applied systematic methods to solve problems involving fractions. The lesson also addresses common misconceptions and provides a framework for different levels of proficiency, from 'working towards' to 'greater depth' in understanding fractions.