Year 3 - Fractions - Unit 1

These hands-on Year 3 outdoor lessons make learning fractions active, collaborative, and fun. From feeding zoo animals and creating fraction pizzas to partitioning wholes with chalk and natural materials or designing chocolate bars, pupils develop understanding of denominators, numerators, and non-unit fractions while applying problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Lesson Plans

Understanding what a denominator represents

Deepen your children’s understanding of fractions and equal parts using this outdoor lesson. This lesson combines movement and collaboration to develop your children’s knowledge of denominators through practical games and hands-on learning. With all resources ready-to-go this lesson requires minimal preparation for maximum fun!

Learning objective:

To understand what a denominator represents

Comparing and ordering unit fractions

During this outdoor lesson, your children will focus on comparing and ordering unit fractions by taking part in ‘Feeding time at the Zoo’. The zoo keeper’s animals are hungry! And your children will have to work in teams to find and sort a variety of fractions to divide how best to feed them!

Learning objective:

To compare and order unit fractions

Understanding the numerators in non-unit fractions

Combine sensory, hands-on experiences with problem solving in this outdoor lesson. Your children will be using natural materials to make pizzas according to the order forms they’re given and will need to use their knowledge of numerators to work out what toppings are required! A fun, exciting lesson your class is bound to enjoy!

Learning objective:

To understand the numerators in non-unit fractions

Recognising fractions as parts of a whole

Deepen your children’s understanding of the ‘whole’ using this outdoor lesson that utilises chalk and natural resources to provide your children with a way to represent their understanding of how a ‘whole’ can be partitioned into fractions. They’ll also take part in discussions to demonstrate their reasoning skills.

Learning objective:

To understand a whole

Comparing and ordering non-unit fractions

The main activity of this outdoor lesson requires your children to use their knowledge of non-unit fractions to sort and order chocolate bar toppings. They’ll have the opportunity to use resources they don’t typically use to add fun and enjoyment, while creating their chocolate bars to show their understanding of this concept.

Learning objective:

To compare and order non-unit fractions

Before you get started

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