Math Lesson Plan · Grades 3–5

Introduction to Fractions Lesson

Introduce students to fractions with a clear four-page lesson and a separate three-page worksheet. The lesson covers numerator, denominator, one whole, and common fractions using real-world food models. The worksheet has three exercise types: write fractions in number form, identify shaded portions, and identify unshaded portions. Complete answer key included.

Lesson Overview

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction is a math term that means something is broken into parts of a whole. Every fraction has two parts separated by a line: the numerator (top number) tells how many parts are being described, and the denominator (bottom number) tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The most common fraction is a whole — when the numerator and denominator are the same, the value equals one. For example, a pizza cut into 6 pieces with all 6 remaining is written as 6/6, or one whole.

The lesson uses familiar models — pie, pizza, and rectangular shapes — to show fractions like 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, 1/4, 3/4, and 1/5. The companion worksheet has 16 write-in-number-form items, 5 shade-identification items, and 5 unshaded-portion items. The answer key covers all three sections.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Read the lesson on pages 1 through 4 as a class. Use the pie and pizza examples to demonstrate numerator and denominator. Emphasize the one whole concept.

2. Distribute the worksheet. Complete Section One (write fractions in number form) individually, then check together.

3. Complete Sections Two and Three (shaded and unshaded portions). Review all answers using the answer key on worksheet page 3.

Printable Resources

2 classroom-ready PDFs.

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