Fractions Decimals and Percentages

Aims Look at how fractions, decimals and percentages are taught in school. Identify why children find fractions, decimals and percentages difficult. Identify ways in which you can help your child at home.

Recognising Fractions of objects Fractions of objects can be a fraction of the whole e.g ½ an onion or a number of pieces or a number of objects. Children also need to understand that if the parts are re united they will return to “a whole”.

Recognising Fractions of shapes Fractions of shapes can be created in different ways and orientations. Children need to understand that each piece of the fraction must be the same size.

Naming Fractions Children are taught to name a fraction focusing on the correct name. A quarter not a fourth. Misconceptions are challenged e.g- the difference between symmetry and half of a shape.

Comparing fractions Children need time to explore and compare fractions. So that they can see when fractions are the same as each other and to recognise when the fractions represent different amounts.

Using fractions to compare amounts Sometimes fractions are whole numbers / amounts

Decimals Children also need the same opportunity to name, make and compare decimals as they did with fractions. Using numicon and base 10 resources we are able to show children how tenths compare to 1 whole unit.

Percentages Remember a percentage is a fraction of 100. Can you show ½, ¼ 1/5 2/5 or 3/10 on the numicon board or 50%, 25%, 20%, 40% or 30%.

Naming Rods Cuisenaire- If brown is 1 what is pink, red and white? What else could these rods be called?

Equivalent fractions

Equivalent fractions

Proving Equivalent fractions

Counting in fractions. Counting numicon in tenths both as fractions and as a decimal. Children need to know that fractions can be more than 1 and that they can be represented as a top heavy fraction or a mixed fraction. 3/2 or 1 ½ . Children also need to be able to count in other fractions, decimal divisions or percentages.

Sample questions- ARE Year 2 Sam bought a bag of 18 cherries. Sam ate 6 cherries. What fraction of the bag of cherries did Sam eat? Year 6 Which is the odd one out? 2 , 0·4 , 4 , 3 , 6 5 10 6 15 Explain your reasoning.

Sample questions- Greater Depth of understanding. Year 3 What fraction of the square is shaded? Explain your reasoning. Year 5 Using the numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 only once, make this sum have the smallest possible answer:

How can I help at home Always be positive about Maths- it is amazing what a positive attitude can do. Encourage your child to make links between fraction, decimals and percentages. Recognise and talk about fraction decimals and percentages in the real world. Remember money is just a decimal number that has a symbol “£”. Let your children teach you about fractions , decimals and percentages.

Together we want your children to be fluent with fractions, decimals and percentages and be able to switch from one to the other confidently.