Free 3rd Grade Fractions- Counting By Halves, Quarters And Thirds Lesson Plan (Math)

Topic: Fractions- counting by halves, quarters and thirds

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to count by halves, quarters and thirds
• Students will be able to locate fractions on a number line

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Number lines (either real or virtual)
• Fraction cards (optional)

Warm-up

• Start the lesson by asking students if they know what a fraction is. Write the words "fraction" and "half" on the whiteboard and have students shout out any associations they have with these words.
• Next, display a number line on the whiteboard and ask students to locate the fraction "half". Have them explain their reasoning for placing the fraction on that spot on the number line.

Direct Instruction

• Next, introduce the concept of "halves" as a way of dividing a whole object or quantity into two equal parts. Show students a whole object, such as a banana, and ask them to divide it into two equal parts using their fingers. Ask them to explain their reasoning for placing their fingers where they did.
• Next, introduce the concept of "quarters" as a way of dividing a whole object or quantity into four equal parts. Show students a whole object, such as a banana, and ask them to divide it into four equal parts using their fingers. Ask them to explain their reasoning for placing their fingers where they did.
• Finally, introduce the concept of "thirds" as a way of dividing a whole object or quantity into three equal parts. Show students a whole object, such as a banana, and ask them to divide it into three equal parts using their fingers. Ask them to explain their reasoning for placing their fingers where they did.

Guided Practice

• As a group, practice counting out various whole objects and dividing them into equal parts. For example, have students count out ten pennies and divide them into equal parts (halves, quarters, thirds). Provide support and guidance as needed.
• Have students work in pairs to count out various whole objects and divide them into equal parts. Provide support and guidance as needed.

Independent Practice

• Have students create a chart or poster that shows different numbers of whole objects being divided into equal parts (halves, quarters, thirds). Encourage them to use a number line to show how the division is being done.
• Provide support and guidance as needed.

Closure:

• Review the concept of fractions and how to count by halves, quarters and thirds.
• Ask students to share their charts or posters and explain their work.

Assessment:

• Observe students during independent practice to ensure they are accurately counting by halves, quarters and thirds.
• Have students complete a brief quiz to assess their understanding of the concept.