How was it used?

This resource was used on the IWB to re-enforce some basic concepts about fractions for the whole group. Initially a teacher-led activity, the pupils were soon confident enough to come to the IWB and work through problems suggested by their peers, predicting the outcomes.

It followed some concrete experience sharing various items of classroom equipment (unifix cubes etc.) which ensured that pupils could successfully identify a given fraction.

Subsequently pupils went on to perform similar activities in pairs, again using equipment and recording their results. Each pair also had a turn at making up problems and solving them using this activity on the IWB.

The interactive nature of the activity and the competitive element of giving peers a problem to solve particularly engaged some boys more than traditional activities would have done.

It also led into some extension work for the more able and talented pupils (see Impact and Outcomes below)

Impact and Outcomes

The activity presents a very clear, visual representation of the concepts using objects, which is engagingly pupil-friendly, rather than relying simply on notation.  

It allows the teacher (or pupils) the freedom to demonstrate their own choice of tasks, you can increase the difficulty or repeat when difficulties are apparent.  Also it’s less fiddly than trying to use real objects to demonstrate to the class and the whole class can clearly see the process on the IWB.

All of the above contributed to a successful outcome for all pupils  

As described above, this activity, in common with most activities where we interact with the white board particularly engaged those boys who are often less forthcoming. Their later work showed that they had grasped the concept and could apply it in other contexts.  

All pupils could understand the notation of improper fractions (a larger numerator than denominator, exceeding the lesson target) because the format of the activity makes it so clear and simple to understand (just more cakes than children). A smaller group of pupils were able to go on and work successfully with improper fractions.

Some pupils described using the activity at home with siblings when playing school.  

Learner Feedback

Some pupils enjoyed it sufficiently to share with parents and siblings on their home PC.

Other Resources

Fraction boards, plastic fractions of shapes, Unifix cubes

Lesson Learnt

An excellent, simple but flexible resource to use when the pupils are ready for this stage in the progression of fraction skills. I liked the way it could be used to introduce improper fractions at an earlier stage than might be expected – potentially preventing pupils from having problems when they encounter these later on.