Unit Fractions — Year 3 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Mathematics — Number: fractions, Year 3
Overview
Pupils develop their understanding of unit fractions (fractions with a numerator of 1) as equal parts of a whole or a set. They learn to read, write, and compare unit fractions, and begin to understand that as the denominator increases, the size of the fraction decreases.
Learning Objectives
- Read and write unit fractions using correct notation.
- Explain that a unit fraction is one equal part of a whole.
- Compare unit fractions and order them on a number line.
- Recognise that a larger denominator means a smaller fraction.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Fold and shade paper strips into halves, thirds, and quarters. Ask: which piece is biggest? Which is smallest? Begin to connect size of piece to the denominator.
Introduce fraction notation with numerator and denominator. Model unit fractions on a number line from 0 to 1. Compare ½ and ¼ using paper strips — establish that ½ > ¼ even though 4 > 2. Build understanding: more equal parts = smaller each part.
Pupils shade unit fractions of shapes, place unit fractions on a number line, and write the fraction shown by a shaded diagram. Discuss: put ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅕ in order — which is largest?
Pupils complete a differentiated activity: ordering unit fractions, shading fractions of shapes and sets, and a reasoning task ('Mia says ⅛ is bigger than ¼ because 8 is bigger than 4. Is she right?').
Which is bigger: 1/10 or 1/3? Pupils explain their reasoning using what they know about denominators.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils commonly believe that a larger denominator means a larger fraction — use practical materials to challenge this.
- Confusion between the numerator and denominator — regularly use the language 'out of' to reinforce denominator meaning.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Ability to recognise halves and quarters from KS1.
- Understanding of equal sharing.
- Familiarity with number lines to 10 or 20.
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