Fractions - Order Fractions (Less Than One) - Planning

In the second week of the Spring term, Year 5 students delve into the world of fractions with a focus on ordering fractions that are less than one. The lesson utilises worksheets and a presentation as resources, and introduces key vocabulary such as 'compare', 'order', 'equivalent', and terms related to fractions like 'denominator' and 'numerator'. Students begin with a starter activity that refreshes their understanding of equivalent fractions, particularly when denominators are multiples of the same number. The main activity challenges them to arrange sets of fractions in ascending order, despite varying denominators. The lesson encourages the use of different strategies, such as bar modelling and finding common numerators or denominators, to facilitate comparison. Students are reminded to record the original fraction when presenting their final ordered list, ensuring they understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the original values.

Throughout the lesson, key questions prompt students to consider how bar models aid in visualising fractions and the significance of uniform bar sizes for fair comparison. The lesson also explores the comparison of fractions with identical numerators or denominators and when it's appropriate to find common values. To consolidate learning, children reflect on the skills they've used, such as creating equivalent fractions and ordering, as well as any difficulties encountered. The lesson concludes with differentiated activities for varying levels of understanding. For those working towards the expected standard, the exercises involve using models to order fractions, while at the expected level, children colour models to assist in their ordering. Those achieving greater depth are tasked with creating their own models if necessary, and all groups face reasoning and problem-solving challenges that involve identifying missing fractions and mistakes within ordered sets displayed on a number line. This structured approach ensures that students not only learn to order fractions effectively but also understand the underlying concepts and methods.