Introduction to Fractions

This lesson introduces students to the concept of fractions as a way to represent parts of a whole. Students learn that a fraction is made up of two numbers: the numerator (top number), which shows how many parts we have, and the denominator (bottom number), which shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into. Through visual models such as shaded shapes and real-world examples (such as divided doughnuts and divided shapes with playdough), students begin to understand how fractions work. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to identify and label fractions.

Approximate time needed: 60 min

MS-CCRS-3.NF.1: Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b. 

MS CCRS-N-Q.1:MS-CCRS-3.G.2: Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.