Calculating Fractions and Decimals - Lesson 1: Simplifying Fractions

Each lesson includes a detailed plan, a slide show presentation for the teaching input and differentiated worksheets.

The first lesson in this series starts by recapping what your class already know about fractions and decimals, and the link between the two. They are challenged to find fraction and decimal equivalents, before looking at how fractions can be simplified to help us do this. They will be shown several methods for simplifying fractions using their understanding of factors and multiples. In their independent learning they can either answer questions to reveal the punchline to a Maths joke, or solve a variety of challenges relating to fractions and decimals.

After reminding children how to add and subtract fractions with common denominators, this lesson will move on to explore how to add and subtract fractions where the denominators are multiples of the same number. They will be challenged to use their knowledge of factors and multiples to solve problems, as well as simplifying answers where appropriate.

Building from their learning in the last lesson, your class will now look at how they can add and subtract fractions where the denominators are not multiples of the same number. They will be shown several ways to do this, including finding the lowest common multiple of the two denominators. Mixed number calculations are also included for an extra challenge!

In this lesson, children will learn how to multiply simple fractions together. The slides demonstrate what happens during this process through array diagrams, and then challenge children to solve such problems without visual supports. As well as finding the answers, they will also be challenged to simplify answers where appropriate.

The final lesson in this series looks at the process of dividing simple fractions by a whole number. They will use diagrams to help them visualise problems before using an algorithm to solve fraction division problems. They are then challenged to solve a variety of challenges, drawing on the learning they have done throughout the week.