Fractions - Tenths - Starter

The lesson plan for Year 4 during the Spring Term's fifth week, on the third day, involves a series of engaging mathematical activities centered around fractions, particularly tenths, and multiplication. The session begins with 'Fluent in Four - Revision', where students are tasked with solving multiplication problems such as finding the missing number in equations like '7 × ? = 35' and '9 × ? = 12 × 6'. This exercise is designed to reinforce their multiplication skills and ensure they are fluent in these fundamental operations.

Further activities include a visual and descriptive exploration of fractions, where students are asked to fill in a table by writing fractions in words, representing them pictorially, and then writing the numerical fraction form. For example, they may represent 'two thirds' with symbols and then write it as '2/3'. The students also work on division by grouping, as they are instructed to circle footballs in groups of four and then write the corresponding division number sentence, determining whether the context suggests grouping or sharing. Finally, the children are challenged to order fractions in descending order, such as '1/6', '1/9', '1/1', and '1/2', and to solve time-telling problems, like identifying the time when the clock reads '26 past 10'. These activities are designed to build a comprehensive understanding of fractions and their practical applications in everyday contexts.