Fractions (Halves and Quarters)

This lesson was contributed by:

GIOVANNA VELLA

This lesson is for:

Lesson Duration:

45 mins.

What should you expect from this lesson?

This lesson introduces the concept of half and quarter using familiar items/objects. Pupils can recognize and name one half (1/2) of a whole (item/shape/number) which is divided into two equal parts. Pupils can recognize and name a quarter (1/4) of a whole (item/shape/number) which is divided into four equal parts.

Print this lesson

Press the button to print this lesson

Share on print
Print

How to carry out this lesson at home:

Resources

1. Everyday objects e.g. packet of crackers, a bar of chocolate, an even number of caps, a strip of paper, a piece of string, 20 – 50c in small change, etc.

2. Paper and pencils/pen/marker to label fractions.

3. Cutouts of a square, triangle, rectangle or handout Shapes 1.

Key Points

A fraction is a part of a whole divided equally.

We can divide equally:

a.   an area (e.g. square, circle)

b.  a quantities (e.g. one hour, one meter)

c.  a number (e.g. 36, 1000).

 

The number at the top is called the numerator.

The number at the bottom is called the denominator.

 

Step 1

Lay out 3 to 5 everyday objects on the table. (E.g. a piece of paper, a piece of string, a bar of chocolate, 50c in small change, 20 caps).

Note: It is suggested not to use fruits and vegetables since these are very difficult to divide equally into halves and quarters.

 

Step 2

Take one item at a time and ask the pupil to share it equally between two (e.g. pupil and adult).

E.g. (Item 1) A piece of string

Say: This is a piece of string (whole) and I would like you to share it equally between us.

Note: Pupil can do this in various ways.  S/He can measure and divide by 2; e.g. 10cm string is divided into two 5 cm pieces.

OR

S/He can take the string and fold it into two equal parts by holding the ends together.  Cut through the middle.  Now there are two equal pieces (one half and one half).

 

Step 3

Write ½ and ½ on the label papers and put them next to each equal part.

Observe: 2 halves make one whole. Note: ½ stands for 1 (numerator) division by 2 (denominator).

 

Step 4

Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 with the other items.

Say: To find ½  divide a whole (item) into two equal parts.

Observe: Items can be divided into 2 equal parts in different ways.

 

Step 5

Take last item and cut/share at random (not equal). E.g. Take a bar of chocolate and divide it into two unequal parts. Put the two unequal parts next to each other. Ask: Is this bar of chocolate divided into halves? Why?

Answer: If each piece is not equal than each piece is not a half (½).

 

Step 6

Give some cutout shapes (see Shapes 1 sheet.).

Say: Here are a few shapes.  Cut them and shade one half of each shape.

 

Step 7

Repeat Step 1. Put back items as before (whole). If string and strip of paper were cut in halves now use new ones.

Repeat Step 2 (but for quarters) Say:  Divide equally into 4 parts now.

Note: This can be done in various ways.  Pupil can divide by 4 or half and half again.  Let pupil explore different strategies on their own.

Repeat Step 3 (but for quarters) Write ¼, ¼, ¼, ¼ on the label papers and match each fraction to each equal part.

Observe: 4 quarters make one whole. Also,  ¼ and ¼ make a ½.

Repeat with other items.

Ask: Which fraction is larger, a half (½ ) or a quarter ( ¼ )?

Ask: Why do you think that is? Observe: Throughout the day look for the notions half (½) and quarters (¼) around the house and discuss when and how they are used.

Download further notes and practice regarding Halves and Quarters at Year 3 Level from HERE.

All the resources you need to carry out this lesson at home:

There are 3 Resources for this lesson

  maxresdefault .jpg | download
  Shapes 1 .pdf | download
  Year 3 Fractions Half and quarters .pdf | download

Featured Video of the lesson:

Share this lesson

If you enjoyed this, or think this is a great lesson, please feel free to share it on your social media tools.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp