Fractions - Multiply a Unit Fraction by an Integer - Planning

This Year 5 mathematics lesson plan focuses on teaching students how to multiply fractions by an integer. The lesson begins with a review of prior knowledge and students are encouraged to use fluent in four questions to warm up. The key aspect of the lesson is to understand that when multiplying a fraction by a whole number, the denominator remains unchanged while the numerator is multiplied by the integer. Simplification of fractions is also highlighted, with students being prompted to find the highest common factor where applicable. The lesson includes a series of activities where students use different strategies such as repeated addition and bar models to multiply unit fractions by integers. For instance, they explore how multiplying ¼ by 3 is akin to adding ¼ three times, and they practice this with various examples.

Further activities involve using bar models to visualise the multiplication process, such as multiplying 1/7 by 4, and using number lines to help understand the conversion from improper fractions to mixed numbers. Group work and independent tasks with differentiated worksheets are designed to reinforce understanding and allow students to apply the concepts learned. The plenary session is an opportunity for students to share their answers and discuss the strategies used during the lesson. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' exercise where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key points of the lesson. Differentiated objectives are set for varying levels of understanding, from working towards fluency to achieving greater depth in multiplying larger fractions by an integer and solving more complex problems.