Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Recognise and name halves (1/2), thirds (1/3), and quarters (1/4).
• Represent these fractions using diagrams.
• Solve sharing problems to create these fractions.
• Compare which fraction is bigger or smaller.
• Use fraction words like 'one third' correctly.

Lesson summary

Overview Fractions are a very important part of mathematics because they teach us about sharing and parts of a whole. In South Africa, the idea of sharing is central to our culture of Ubuntu – I am because we are. When we share a loaf of bread with our family, a bag of oranges with our friends, or a piece of land with our community, we are using fractions. This week, we will explore the most common fractions: halves, thirds, and quarters. Understanding these will help you share fairly, follow a recipe when you help with cooking, and even understand time better (like 'half past' or 'quarter to' the hour).

Lesson notes

What is a Fraction? A fraction is simply one or more equal parts of a whole. The most important word here is EQUA

L. If the parts are not equal, they are not fractions.

The Whole: This can be one single item (like a pizza, a chocolate bar, or a piece of paper) or it can be a collection of items (like 12 marbles, 8 sweets, or 10 learners).

Numerator and Denominator: A fraction has two parts: The Numerator is the top number. It tells us how many equal parts we are talking about. The Denominator is the bottom number. It tells us how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.

Example: In the fraction 1/2, '1' is the numerator, and '2' is the denominator. Halves (1/2) When we divide one whole thing into two equal parts, each part is called a half. Two halves make one whole.

Notation: We write a half as 1/2.