Lesson Plan #: AELP-ATH0203

Learning Fractions with Pictures

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan Submitted by: Donald J. Rand
Email: DonJ26@aol.com
School/University/Affiliation: Arizona State West University

Date: May 2, 2001

Grade Level: 3, 4

Subject(s):

Duration: 45 minutes

Description: Through the use of pictures and manipulative materials, students learn the relationship between the numerator and denominator.

Goals:

  1. Represent and use numbers in equivalent forms through the use of physical models, drawings, and symbols (e.g., using concrete materials and fraction equivalents to represent and compare halves, thirds, fourths, eighths, and tenths).
  2. Identify a given model that is divided into equal fractional parts (halves, thirds, and fourths).
Objectives:
  1. Students will be able to define fraction, numerator, and denominator.
  2. Students will complete a two-page worksheet about fractions.
  3. Students will complete a review worksheet, with 80% accuracy.
Materials: Vocabulary:
  1. fraction - A number that indicates a part of a whole.
  2. numerator - The top number in a fraction that tells how many of the equal parts are chosen.
  3. denominator - The bottom number in a fraction that tells the total number of equal parts.
Procedure:
Draw a few objects on the board (such as circles) and ask the students, "How many objects are on the board?" Write the number on the board. Shade in some of the objects and ask the class, "How many objects are shaded in?" Record the number on the board, above the first number. Explain how to read the fraction, introducing the terms "numerator" and "denominator." Repeat the process by drawing different objects and then shading them in. Demonstrate simple fractions such as 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, and 3/5. Ask for volunteers to go up to the board to write the fraction for each example. Then draw boxes on the board and shade in certain areas to represent fractions. Ask students how the fraction would be written in each case. Afterwards, use objects such as different colored balls, cans of tennis balls, ice cube trays, and egg cartons to demonstrate fractions in model form. ( Example: 4 red balls and 8 blue balls can be placed in an egg carton. What fraction of the balls are red?)

Give each student a two-page fraction worksheet. While students are completing the worksheets, circulate around the room to see if students have any questions. When students are finished, ask them to share their answers. Review any problems which gave students difficulty. Conclude the lesson by reviewing the vocabulary terms.

Assessment: As a homework assignment, give each student a review sheet. The review sheets will be turned in the next day and graded.

Useful Internet Resource:
* Arizona Department of Education - Mathematics Standards
http://www.ade.state.az.us/standards/math/default.asp