Year 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Introduction to Basic Fractions (1/2)

Lesson Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 1 students in New Zealand, focusing on introducing the concept of basic fractions starting with 1/2. The session is planned to be interactive, catering to a small group setting of 4 students. The lesson includes extensions for students who are already familiar and confident with the topic.

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, specifically:
- Learning Area: Mathematics and Statistics
- Strand: Number and Algebra
- Level: Level 1 (Years 1-3)
- Achievement Objective: Students will be able to equipartition an object into equal parts and understand simple fractions as equal parts of a whole.

For more details on the curriculum, visit the NZ Curriculum Online - Mathematics and Statistics.

Lesson Details

- Subject: Mathematics
- Topic: Introduction to Basic Fractions (1/2)
- Year Level: Year 1
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Class Size: 4 students

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of halves.
2. Identify and create halves in different physical objects.
3. Articulate the meaning of the fraction 1/2.

Resources Needed

- Paper sheets (several)
- Safety scissors
- Objects for partitioning (e.g., apples, oranges, small sandwich)
- Fraction circles/flashcards showing 1/2
- Worksheets for practising identifying and colouring 1/2
- Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Plan

Warm-up (3 minutes)

- Activity: Quick discussion on dividing things into equal parts. The teacher will show a biscuit and ask how it can be shared between two friends equally.
- Purpose: To engage students and link the lesson to familiar situations.

Introduction to Fractions (3 minutes)

- Activity: Introduction of the term "half" and the fraction symbol 1/2. Explore its meaning through visual aids (e.g., fraction circles).
- Purpose: To provide students with an understanding of fractional language and symbols.

Interactive Activity (6 minutes)

- Activity: Interactive "Fold and Cut" session. Students are given a paper sheet. They will fold the paper into two equal parts and cut along the fold line to make two equal pieces.
- Purpose: To physically engage students in the concept of creating halves practically.
- Extension: For quick learners, explore folding the halves into quarters briefly after performing initial task.

Group Discussion and Recap (2 minutes)

- Activity: Discuss what students did and observed during the "Fold and Cut" activity. Emphasise the two parts are equal.
- Purpose: Reinforce learning and clarify any misconceptions.

Conclusion and Worksheet Task (1 minute)

- Activity: Hand out worksheets with various objects drawn. Students are asked to colour in 1/2 of each object.
- Purpose: To provide students with an opportunity to apply their new knowledge and assess their understanding.
- Extension Activity: For students needing more, provide objects with quarters shaded, challenging them to identify halves versus quarters.

Assessment

- Observe students as they engage in the cutting activity and complete their worksheets. Check whether students can successfully identify and make halves of different objects.
- Discuss with students individually to ensure they understand the concept of 1/2.

Reflection

End the lesson with a brief reflection:
- What did we learn today about fractions?
- How might we use this knowledge in real life?

Encourage students to look at objects around the home and consider how they might be divided into halves or other fractions.

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This lesson plan provides a structured approach to introducing fractions to Year 1 students in a way that is hands-on and relevant, ensuring foundational concepts are understood in a fun and interactive setting.