Summary

Pupils will apply their knowledge of shape fractions and fraction walls to multiplication and division facts in order to mentally calculate fractions of a number. By using multiplication number triangles and placing answers on a fraction wall the pupils will gain an understanding of the relationship between multiplication, division and fractions.

Suitable for

Year 3

Prior learning

Pupils will have an understanding of simple fractions relating to shapes and will have a knowledge of multiplication facts in the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 times tables.

Aims and objectives

Pupils will be able to use mental strategies to find a fraction of a number.

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

On a simple projected whiteboard it would not be possible to reveal the hints by clicking on them. However, clicking the normal computer mouse button could reveal the hints. The interactive whiteboard pens would not be available to annotate the fraction wall, however, normal whiteboard pens can be used and then wiped off for the next screen. The normal computer mouse and keyboard can be used to enter the answer, or this can be done orally with the teacher.

Timings

A brief recap of fractions and fraction walls would be given before beginning the activity (5 minutes). The first example would be worked through by the teacher (5 minutes) then individual pupils could be called on to work through several more examples (15 minutes). The class would then work individually, or in groups (25 minutes) before a class recap using more of the interactive examples, with less or no use of the hints available.

Suggestions for group activities

Pupils should be given fraction problems to work out (see suggestions for differentiation below). They should complete the multiplication triangles and write out the multiplication and division facts to go with their problems.

Suggestions for differentiation

More able pupils should be given fraction problems using numbers within the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 times tables. Less able pupils would be given problems from the 2, 3 and 4 times tables only.

Further activities

The work can be extended into other division activities, introducing or developing the use of normal written division methods. This activity can then be used later as a mental introduction to other division activities in line with numeracy hour principles.

Curriculum links

KS2 Ma2 (Number) 2d understand unit fractions (for example, ¹/₃ or ¹/₈) then fractions that are several parts of one whole (for example, ²/₃ or ⁵/₈), locate them on a number line and use them to find fractions of shapes and quantities

National Numeracy Strategy Year 3 objective: Recognise unit fractions such as ¹/₂, ¹/₃, ¹/₄, ¹/₅, ¹/₁₀ and use them to find fractions of shapes and numbers.