Fractions - Add Fractions- Starter

In the Spring Term of Year 4, students are introduced to a series of starters in Week 7 that focus on adding fractions and revising basic arithmetic skills. The 'Fluent in Four' revision exercises are designed to sharpen students' proficiency in dealing with fractions, particularly halves. They are presented with a sequence of fractions with the denominator of two and are tasked with performing addition to find the sums. This exercise not only reinforces their understanding of fractions but also prepares them for more complex mathematical concepts. Additionally, students are encouraged to complete part-whole models and write corresponding number sentences, further enhancing their comprehension of how numbers relate to each other.

The lesson also includes practical applications of mathematics, such as comparing heights in a real-world context. Students are asked to order the heights of houses drawn by three friends—Mark, Tom, and Jack—by their measurements in centimetres and millimetres. This task requires them to convert between units and understand the concept of descending order. Furthermore, the lesson revisits addition with larger numbers, presenting problems where students must fill in missing digits to complete the sum correctly. Through these activities, the lesson aims to build a strong foundation in both fractions and basic arithmetic, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future mathematical challenges.