Lesson Plan
Fraction Fun: Sharing is Caring!
Students will be able to identify and represent fractions as equal parts of a whole using visual models and concrete objects.
Understanding fractions is crucial for developing strong mathematical foundations and applying math to real-world situations like sharing food or measuring ingredients.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Hands-on exploration and visual learning.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers/pens, Fraction Fun Slide Deck, Fraction Sharing Worksheet, and Fraction Bar Building Activity
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
15 minutes
- Review the Fraction Fun: Sharing is Caring! Slide Deck and practice presenting the content.
- Print copies of the Fraction Sharing Worksheet.
- Prepare materials for the Fraction Bar Building Activity (e.g., construction paper, scissors, rulers for each student or group). Ensure different colors are available for easy distinction of parts.
- Ensure you have a large circle or rectangle cut out of paper for the 'Whole' demonstration, and several smaller, identical circles/rectangles to demonstrate dividing into parts.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Equal Shares (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students about sharing things fairly, like a pizza or a chocolate bar.
Step 2
Introduction to Fractions (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Use the Fraction Fun Slide Deck to introduce fractions.
- Explain 'whole' and 'part'. Use real-life examples like dividing a sandwich or a pie.
- Emphasize that fractions represent equal parts.
Step 3
Modeling Fractions (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Lead the Fraction Bar Building Activity. Guide students to divide their paper 'wholes' into halves, thirds, and fourths, labeling each part.
- Circulate to provide support and check for understanding.
- Discuss what they observe: How does the number of parts relate to the size of each part?
Step 4
Practice with Worksheets (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Distribute the Fraction Sharing Worksheet.
- Have students work independently or in pairs to complete the worksheet, applying what they learned about identifying and representing fractions.
- Provide assistance as needed.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Share (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Review answers from the Fraction Sharing Worksheet as a class, discussing any common misconceptions.
- Ask students to share one new thing they learned about fractions.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Fraction Fun: Sharing is Caring!
Let's learn about fractions and how we share!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of fractions! Ask them about times they've had to share things equally.
What is a Fraction?
A fraction is a way to show parts of a whole.
Imagine cutting a pizza into slices. Each slice is a part of the whole pizza!
Ask students what they think a fraction is. Guide them towards the idea of 'parts of a whole.'
Parts of a Fraction
The Top Number: Numerator
It tells us how many parts we have or are talking about.
The Bottom Number: Denominator
It tells us how many equal parts make up the whole.
Introduce the terms numerator and denominator with simple language. Use visual examples.
Sharing EQUALLY!
Fractions are all about equal shares!
If you cut a cookie into 4 pieces, and they are not equal, are they really fourths? No!
Emphasize the 'equal parts' concept. This is crucial for understanding fractions correctly.
Fractions in Real Life
Example 1: Pizza Party!
If a pizza is cut into 8 equal slices, and you eat 3, you ate 3/8 of the pizza!
Example 2: Chocolate Bar
If a chocolate bar has 10 squares, and you eat 2, you ate 2/10 of the bar!
Show visual examples and ask students to identify the fraction represented.
Let's Build Fractions!
Now, we're going to become fraction builders!
We will use paper to create our own fraction models for halves, thirds, and fourths.
Explain the upcoming activity where students will create their own fraction models.
Time to Practice!
You'll get a worksheet to practice what you've learned.
Remember to draw clear, equal parts and label your fractions!
Introduce the worksheet as a chance to practice identifying and drawing fractions.
Fractions Are Everywhere!
We learned that fractions are parts of a whole.
They help us share things equally!
What was your favorite part of learning about fractions today?
Summarize key concepts and ask students to share one thing they learned. Reinforce that fractions are everywhere!
Worksheet
Fraction Sharing Worksheet
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Part 1: Identify the Fraction
Look at each shape. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part.
-
(Imagine a circle divided in half, one half shaded)
Fraction: _________ -
(Imagine a rectangle divided into three equal parts, two shaded)
Fraction: _________ -
(Imagine a square divided into four equal parts, three shaded)
Fraction: _________ -
(Imagine a pizza with 8 equal slices, 5 are shaded or shown as eaten)
Fraction: _________
Part 2: Draw the Fraction
Draw a shape (circle or rectangle) and shade the correct fraction.
-
Draw 1/2
-
Draw 2/3
-
Draw 3/4
Part 3: Fraction Word Problems
Read each problem carefully and write your answer as a fraction.
-
Sarah has a candy bar that has 5 equal pieces. She eats 2 of the pieces. What fraction of the candy bar did Sarah eat?
Fraction: _________ -
There are 6 birds on a branch. 3 of the birds fly away. What fraction of the birds are still on the branch?
Fraction: _________ -
Mom baked a pie and cut it into 4 equal slices. The family ate all but one slice. What fraction of the pie did they eat?
Fraction: _________
Activity
Fraction Bar Building Activity
Objective: To create visual models of fractions (halves, thirds, and fourths) using paper.
Materials Needed:
- One full sheet of construction paper (any color) per student – this will be your "WHOLE" piece.
- Two additional sheets of different colored construction paper per student (for cutting into parts).
- Scissors
- Rulers (optional, for neater folding/cutting)
- Pencils or markers
Instructions:
Step 1: Your WHOLE
- Take your first full sheet of construction paper. Write "WHOLE" on it with a big, clear marker. This paper represents one whole unit.
Step 2: Making Halves
- Take one of your different colored sheets of paper.
- Fold it exactly in half. Make a crisp crease.
- Carefully cut along the fold line to create two equal pieces.
- On each of these two pieces, write "1/2" and glue or tape them onto your "WHOLE" paper. Make sure they fit perfectly side-by-side to show they make up the whole.
Discussion Point: How many halves make a whole? Are the pieces equal?
Step 3: Making Thirds
- Take your last different colored sheet of paper.
- Try to fold it into three equal parts. This can be tricky! (Hint: Fold one end over, then bring the other end to meet the first fold, adjusting until they look equal).
- Carefully cut along the two fold lines to create three equal pieces.
- On each of these three pieces, write "1/3" and arrange them on your "WHOLE" paper. They should also fit perfectly to show they make up the whole.
Discussion Point: How many thirds make a whole? Which is bigger, 1/2 or 1/3? Why?
Step 4: Making Fourths
- Take another sheet of colored paper (or use the back of a previously used sheet if you're running low).
- Fold this paper in half, and then fold it in half again. You should now have four equal sections when you unfold it.
- Carefully cut along the fold lines to create four equal pieces.
- On each of these four pieces, write "1/4" and arrange them on your "WHOLE" paper. They should fit perfectly.
Discussion Point: How many fourths make a whole? How does 1/4 compare to 1/2 and 1/3?
Step 5: Reflect and Share
- Once you have created your whole, halves, thirds, and fourths, take a moment to look at your fraction bar creation.
- Be ready to share your work and discuss what you learned about fractions with the class!