Fractions - Mixed numbers to improper (bar model) - Planning

In the second week of Spring term, Year 5 students delve into the world of fractions, focusing on converting mixed numbers to improper fractions using bar models. The national curriculum objectives target their ability to compare and order fractions with denominators that are multiples of the same number. During this lesson, students expand their mathematical vocabulary with terms such as 'improper fractions', 'mixed numbers', 'convert', 'represent', and various fractional parts like 'quarter', 'halves', 'eighths', 'fifths', and 'whole', along with 'numerator', 'denominator', 'multiply', and 'add'. These concepts are reinforced with worksheets and a presentation, and students are encouraged to practice with 'fluent in four' questions.

The lesson begins with a recap of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions using concrete and pictorial methods to grasp the abstract concept. In the first activity, students observe how to convert a mixed number, like 3 3/8, into an improper fraction using cubes, and then apply this method to other examples. The second activity involves converting an improper fraction, such as 30/7, back into a mixed number using bar modelling. This visual representation helps students understand the division process involved in finding the whole number and the fractional remainder. Group work encourages discussion and reasoning, as students are prompted to explain the conversion process and correct misconceptions. They also tackle more challenging tasks such as spotting errors in conversions and explaining their reasoning, with differentiation in fluency and problem-solving to cater to varying levels of depth in understanding.