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lenny

Slice It Up

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Marion Gaulier

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Fraction Fiesta Lesson Plan

Students will understand fractions as equal parts of a whole and represent halves, thirds, and quarters using visual models and hands-on materials.

Early mastery of fractions builds number sense, boosts problem-solving confidence, and prepares students for more complex math concepts.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on and visual exploration

Materials

  • Pre-Cut Fraction Circles, - Printable Fraction Strips, - Paper Plates, - Colored Markers, - Whiteboard and Markers, - Interactive Fraction Slider, and - Exit Ticket Slips

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out Pre-Cut Fraction Circles in halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Print Printable Fraction Strips for each student
  • Load and test the Interactive Fraction Slider on the classroom computer or tablet
  • Write ‘Exit Ticket’ prompts on slips of paper for quick assessment

Step 1

Hook & Activate Prior Knowledge

3 minutes

  • Draw a whole pizza on the whiteboard and ask: “What is half of this pizza?”
  • Solicit responses and label the halves
  • Connect students’ answers to the word ‘fraction’

Step 2

Demonstration of Basic Fractions

5 minutes

  • Display Pre-Cut Fraction Circles for halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Physically assemble and separate the pieces, naming each fraction
  • Invite a volunteer to demonstrate another fraction division

Step 3

Guided Hands-On Practice

12 minutes

  • Distribute paper plates and colored markers
  • Students fold plates or draw to create halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Provide Printable Fraction Strips for students to color and label
  • Circulate to support and check for correct equal parts

Step 4

Interactive Digital Exploration

5 minutes

  • Project the Interactive Fraction Slider
  • Model setting the slider to various fractions and ask students to name them
  • Invite pairs to take turns adjusting the slider and explaining their choice

Step 5

Exit Ticket & Check for Understanding

5 minutes

  • Hand out Exit Ticket Slips with prompts: “Draw a shape divided into 4 equal parts and shade 1 part.”
  • Collect slips and quickly review to identify any misconceptions
  • Provide verbal feedback before students leave
lenny

Slide Deck

Fraction Fiesta

Exploring halves, thirds, and quarters

Welcome, everyone! Today we’re having a Fraction Fiesta. We’ll learn what fractions are, see halves, thirds, and quarters in action, practice with plates and strips, explore a digital slider, and finish with a quick exit ticket.

What Is a Fraction?

Look at this pizza. What is 1/2 of the pizza?

(Hook – 3 minutes)
Draw a whole pizza on the board. Ask: “What is half of this pizza?” Solicit responses and label the two halves. Introduce the word “fraction” as a part of a whole.

Basic Fractions

• Half = 1/2
• Third = 1/3
• Quarter = 1/4

(Demonstration – 5 minutes)
Display the Pre-Cut Fraction Circles for halves, thirds, and quarters. Assemble and separate the pieces, naming each fraction. Invite a volunteer to try dividing another circle.

Hands-On Fraction Practice

• Fold or draw on plates to show 1/2, 1/3, 1/4
• Color and label your fraction strips

(Guided Practice – 12 minutes)
Distribute paper plates and markers. Instruct students to fold or draw lines to create halves, thirds, and quarters on their plates. Hand out Printable Fraction Strips to color and label. Circulate to support and check for equal parts.

Interactive Fraction Slider

Use the slider to set different fractions. What fraction do you see?

(Interactive Digital – 5 minutes)
Project the Interactive Fraction Slider. Model moving the slider to different fractions and ask students to name them. Invite pairs to take turns and explain their choices.

Exit Ticket

Draw a shape with 4 equal parts. Shade and label 1 part.

(Exit Ticket – 5 minutes)
Hand out exit ticket slips with the prompt: “Draw a shape divided into 4 equal parts and shade 1 part.” Collect and quickly review to identify misconceptions. Provide verbal feedback.

Great Job!

You can now recognize and create halves, thirds, and quarters.

(Wrap-Up)
Review: A fraction names equal parts of a whole. Today we saw 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 in circles, plates, strips, and digital form. Great job everyone!

lenny

Worksheet

Fraction Fiesta Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Part 1: Identify the Fraction

  1. Model A shows a circle divided into 2 equal parts, with 1 part shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part.


  2. Model B shows a rectangle divided into 3 equal parts, with 2 parts shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part.


  3. Model C shows a square divided into 4 equal parts, with 3 parts shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part.


(Hint: You can draw small sketches to help you.)

Part 2: Draw and Shade

  1. Draw a circle and shade 1/2 of it. Label your fraction.





  2. Draw a rectangle and shade 2/3 of it. Label your fraction.





  3. Draw a square and shade 3/4 of it. Label your fraction.





Part 3: Word Problems

  1. Sofia baked a pie and cut it into 4 equal slices. She ate 1 slice.
    a) What fraction of the pie did she eat? ____________
    b) What fraction of the pie remains? ____________
    c) Draw the pie and shade the eaten part.










  2. Use the Printable Fraction Strips to help you color and label a strip that shows 3/4. (Glue or tape your strip on the back or below.)











Part 4: Application

  1. Visit the Interactive Fraction Slider. Set the slider to 1/3.
    a) Draw what you see on the slider.












    b) Explain in your own words how you know the fraction is 1/3.





Great work! Be ready to share your drawings and explanations with the class.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Slice It Up Lesson Plan

Students will identify, compare, and create basic fractions (halves, thirds, quarters) with at least 80% accuracy using real objects and visual models.

Building foundational fraction sense in 3rd grade supports number sense, problem-solving confidence, and readiness for more advanced math.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on and visual exploration

Materials

  • Pre-Cut Fraction Circles, - Printable Fraction Strips, - Paper Plates, - Colored Markers, - Interactive Fraction Slider, and - Exit Ticket Slips

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out Pre-Cut Fraction Circles in halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Print Printable Fraction Strips for each student
  • Load and test the Interactive Fraction Slider on the classroom computer or tablet
  • Write exit ticket prompts on slips of paper (e.g., “Divide a shape into 4 equal parts and shade 1 part.”)
  • Gather paper plates and colored markers

Step 1

Hook & Activate Prior Knowledge

3 minutes

  • Draw a whole pizza on the whiteboard and ask: “What is half of this pizza?”
  • Solicit student responses and label the two halves
  • Introduce the term “fraction” as a part of a whole and connect to students’ answers

Step 2

Demonstration of Basic Fractions

5 minutes

  • Display Pre-Cut Fraction Circles for halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Assemble and separate the pieces, naming each fraction (1/2, 1/3, 1/4)
  • Invite a volunteer to divide another circle and explain their reasoning

Step 3

Guided Hands-On Practice

12 minutes

  • Distribute paper plates and colored markers to each student
  • Instruct students to fold or draw lines on plates to create halves, thirds, and quarters
  • Hand out Printable Fraction Strips for students to color, cut, and label
  • Circulate to support students, checking for equal parts and correct labels

Step 4

Interactive Digital Exploration

5 minutes

  • Project the Interactive Fraction Slider for the class
  • Model moving the slider to different fractions and ask students to name them
  • Invite pairs to take turns adjusting the slider and explaining their choice to the class

Step 5

Exit Ticket & Check for Understanding

5 minutes

  • Hand out Exit Ticket Slips with the prompt: “Draw a shape divided into 4 equal parts and shade 1 part.”
  • Collect slips and quickly review responses to identify misconceptions
  • Provide verbal feedback before students leave
lenny

Slide Deck

Slice It Up: Exploring Fractions

30-minute Tier 1 lesson | 3rd Grade

Hands-on & visual exploration of halves, thirds, and quarters.

Welcome slide – Greet students and introduce today’s lesson: exploring fractions using everyday objects and digital tools.

Lesson Objectives

• Identify fractions as equal parts of a whole
• Compare halves, thirds, and quarters
• Create and label fractions using real objects and drawings

Review the goals so students know what to expect.

What Is a Fraction?

Imagine a pizza cut into two equal slices. Each slice is a fraction of the whole pizza.

(Hook – 3 min)
Draw a large pizza on the board. Ask: “If we cut it into two equal parts, what do we call each part?” Introduce the term “fraction.”

Visualizing Fractions

• Half = 1/2 (2 equal parts, 1 shaded)
• Third = 1/3 (3 equal parts, 1 shaded)
• Quarter = 1/4 (4 equal parts, 1 shaded)

Explain visual models – show pre-cut circles and point out equal parts.

Demonstration: Fraction Circles

Use Pre-Cut Fraction Circles to show how to make 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.

(Demo – 5 min)
Display the Pre-Cut Fraction Circles. Assemble and separate pieces. Name each fraction and ask a volunteer to try.

Hands-On Practice: Plates

• Fold or draw lines on your plate
• Create and label 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4

(Guided Practice – 6 min)
Distribute paper plates and markers. Guide students to fold or draw lines to make halves, thirds, and quarters.

Hands-On Practice: Fraction Strips

• Color the strips
• Label each part with the correct fraction

(Guided Practice – 6 min)
Hand out Printable Fraction Strips. Students color, cut, and label each strip.

Interactive Fraction Slider

Use the slider to set and name fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4).

(Digital Exploration – 5 min)
Project the Interactive Fraction Slider. Model moving it to different fractions. Let pairs take turns.

Exit Ticket

Draw a shape divided into 4 equal parts. Shade 1 part and label it 1/4.

(Exit Ticket – 5 min)
Distribute slips with the prompt. Collect and quickly review to check understanding.

Great Job!

You now can identify, compare, and create halves, thirds, and quarters. Keep slicing fractions in pizzas, pies, and more!

Wrap-up – Celebrate success and encourage continued practice. Remind students to look for fractions in everyday life.

lenny

Worksheet

Fraction Fun Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Part 1: Identify the Fraction

  1. Model A shows a circle divided into 2 equal parts, with 1 part shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part. ________


  2. Model B shows a circle divided into 3 equal parts, with 2 parts shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part. ________


  3. Model C shows a circle divided into 4 equal parts, with 3 parts shaded. Write the fraction that represents the shaded part. ________


Part 2: Hands-On Materials

  1. Use the Pre-Cut Fraction Circles to show 3/4. Color and glue the pieces below. Label your fraction.










  2. Use the Printable Fraction Strips to create a strip that shows 1/2 and 1/4 on the same strip. Cut, color, and label your strip. Glue or tape it here.









Part 3: Draw and Shade

  1. Draw a rectangle and shade 1/3 of it. Label the fraction.





  2. Draw a circle and shade 2/3 of it. Label the fraction.





Part 4: Word Problems

  1. Liam baked 8 cookies and ate 3 of them.
    a) What fraction of the cookies did he eat? ________



    b) What fraction of the cookies remain? ________



    c) Draw the remaining cookies as a fraction.





Part 5: Digital Exploration

  1. Visit the Interactive Fraction Slider.
    a) Set the slider to 2/3. Draw what you see.











    b) Explain how you know the fraction is 2/3.





Great job! Be ready to share your fraction creations with the class.

lenny
lenny

Answer Key

Fraction Fun Answer Key

This answer key provides correct responses and step-by-step reasoning for grading and student feedback.

Part 1: Identify the Fraction

  1. Answer: 1/2
    Teacher Reasoning: The circle is divided into 2 equal parts and 1 part is shaded. Fraction = shaded parts ÷ total parts = 1 ÷ 2 = 1/2.

  2. Answer: 2/3
    Teacher Reasoning: The circle is divided into 3 equal parts and 2 parts are shaded. Fraction = 2 ÷ 3 = 2/3.

  3. Answer: 3/4
    Teacher Reasoning: The square is divided into 4 equal parts and 3 are shaded. Fraction = 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4.

Part 2: Hands-On Materials

  1. Expected Student Result: A circle made from 4 quarter pieces with 3 pieces colored/shaded and glued in place, labeled 3/4.
    Teacher Notes: Check that students used exactly 3 of the 4 equal pieces, shaded them consistently, and wrote the label 3/4 clearly.

  2. Expected Student Result: A fraction strip divided into 4 equal segments. Two adjacent segments are colored and labeled 1/2 (showing 2/4), one segment is colored or labeled 1/4, and the final segment remains blank.
    Teacher Notes: Students should demonstrate that half of the strip is 2 out of 4 parts (1/2) and one quarter is 1 out of 4 parts (1/4). Ensure labels are placed correctly.

Part 3: Draw and Shade

  1. Answer: A rectangle divided into 3 equal sections with 1 section shaded and labeled 1/3.
    Teacher Reasoning: One of three equal parts shaded yields 1/3.

  2. Answer: A circle divided into 3 equal parts with 2 parts shaded and labeled 2/3.
    Teacher Reasoning: Two of three equal parts shaded yields 2/3.

Part 4: Word Problems

8a. Answer: 3/8
Teacher Reasoning: Liam ate 3 out of 8 cookies, so the eaten fraction is 3 ÷ 8 = 3/8.

8b. Answer: 5/8
Teacher Reasoning: Remaining cookies = 8 – 3 = 5, so the remaining fraction is 5 ÷ 8 = 5/8.

8c. Expected Student Drawing: Eight cookie shapes with 3 marked or shaded to show eaten and 5 marked to show remaining. Label the remaining group as 5/8.
Teacher Notes: Look for a clear depiction of 8 total, 3 eaten, and a label of 5/8 for the remaining portion.

Part 5: Digital Exploration

9a. Expected Student Drawing: A horizontal bar (slider) divided into 3 equal segments with the first 2 segments highlighted or shaded, matching the slider set at 2/3.

9b. Answer Explanation: “The bar is split into 3 equal parts and 2 parts are highlighted, so the fraction shown is 2/3.”
Teacher Reasoning: Students should note the total equal parts (denominator) and count the highlighted parts (numerator).

Overall Mastery Check: Students correctly identify shaded vs. total parts, label fractions, and illustrate understanding with models and real objects. Look for accurate counting, equal divisions, correct labels, and clear reasoning in drawings and explanations.

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Fraction Reflection Exit Ticket

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

  1. Which fraction (1/2, 1/3, or 1/4) did you feel most confident with today? Why?


  2. Which fraction was the trickiest for you? Describe one thing that helped you understand it better.




  3. Think of something in your day (a pizza slice, a chocolate bar, etc.) that shows a fraction. Draw or describe it below and label the fraction you see.








Great work reflecting on your learning!

lenny
lenny