Sample Lesson
This is a read-only example. Create an account to generate your own lessons.
Create Your Own

Fractions in Everyday Life

CCSS Aligned
Updated Sample lesson
Math
Grade 4th
45 Mins
CCSS.MATH.4.NF.A.1
CCSS.MATH.4.NF.A.2

Learning Objectives

  • Students will identify fractions in various real-world contexts with 80% accuracy.
  • Students will compare two fractions using visual models and explain their reasoning.
  • Students will create their own real-world fraction problem to share with a partner.

The Hook: Whole Group

5 mins
Display a photo of a pizza cut into 8 slices with 3 slices missing. Ask: "If I ate 3 slices of this pizza, what fraction did I eat? What fraction is left?" Have students turn and talk with a partner, then share responses. Connect to their experiences: "When have you seen or used fractions in your own life?"

Direct Instruction

15 mins

1. Step 1

Review fraction vocabulary using the anchor chart: numerator (parts we have), denominator (total equal parts), fraction bar. Use hand motions - denominator goes "down" and numerator goes on top.

2. Step 2

Model identifying fractions using the pizza visual. Think aloud: "The pizza is cut into 8 equal pieces, so my denominator is 8. Three pieces are gone, but we still have 5 pieces. The fraction remaining is 5/8." Write the fraction on the board.

3. Step 3

Show 3 more real-world examples: a measuring cup filled to 3/4, a football field showing 1st and 10 (1/4 of the way), and a sale sign showing 1/2 off. For each, ask students to identify the fraction and explain what it represents.

Guided Practice

10 mins
Students work in pairs with fraction circle manipulatives. Display 5 real-world scenarios on the board (recipe measurements, sharing cookies, progress bars, time, money). Partners take turns: one reads the scenario aloud, the other builds the fraction with manipulatives and writes it down. Then they switch roles. Circulate to check understanding and ask probing questions.

Grouping: Pairs

Check for Understanding:Ask each pair to hold up their fraction circles showing 3/4. Observe who builds it correctly vs. who shows 4/3 (common reversal error). Address misconceptions whole-group if needed.

Independent Practice

10 mins
Complete the "Fractions Around Us" worksheet independently. Identify fractions in 4 given images, compare two pairs of fractions using drawings, and create one original real-world fraction problem with a drawing.

Success Criteria:

  • Correctly identify at least 3 of 4 fractions in images
  • Draw accurate visual models for fraction comparisons
  • Create an original problem with a clear fraction context
  • Use correct fraction notation (numerator/denominator)

Closure

5 mins
Gallery walk: Students post their original fraction problems on their desks. Play music while students walk around and read 3 different problems. When music stops, return to seats. Cold call 2-3 students to share a problem they liked and explain why. Exit ticket: Draw and label one fraction you might see at home tonight.

Assessment

5 mins

Exit Ticket Prompt

Draw a picture showing a real-world example of a fraction. Label the fraction and explain what the numerator and denominator represent.

Differentiation

ELL / ESL Supports

developing

Sentence Frames

  • The fraction is ___ because there are ___ parts out of ___ total parts.
  • I can see ___ in the picture, which shows ___.

Visual Supports

  • -Fraction vocabulary cards with pictures
  • -Bilingual math word wall
  • -Color-coded numerator/denominator labels

Key Vocabulary

fraction(fracción (Spanish))

A number that shows parts of a whole

numerator(numerador (Spanish))

The top number - how many parts you have

denominator(denominador (Spanish))

The bottom number - total equal parts

IEP / 504 Supports

Modifications

  • -Reduce worksheet to 3 images instead of 4
  • -Provide pre-drawn fraction models to trace

Accommodations

  • Preferential seating near the whiteboard
  • Manipulatives available throughout independent work
  • Extended time for worksheet completion
  • Chunked directions with visual checklist

Gifted / Advanced

enrichment

Extension Activities

  • -Create a fraction story problem book with 5+ scenarios
  • -Research how fractions are used in music (time signatures)

Challenge Questions

  • Can you find a fraction greater than 1 in real life? Draw and explain it.
  • How would you compare 3/4 and 5/6 without drawing? Explain your strategy.

Homework / Home Extension

Fraction Scavenger Hunt: Find 5 examples of fractions at home (food packages, measuring cups, clocks, etc.). Draw each example and write the fraction it represents.

~20 min

Materials Needed

Paper
Pencil
Colored pencils (optional)

Like what you see?

Create your own personalized lesson plans tailored to your students, standards, and teaching style.