Year 3 Fractions Lesson Plan: Tenths and Equivalent Fractions
Free Year 3 maths lesson plan on tenths and equivalent fractions. Concrete-pictorial-abstract progression with differentiation and plenary.
Learning objective
I can recognise, find, and compare unit fractions and tenths, and identify equivalent fractions.
Key vocabulary
- fraction
- numerator
- denominator
- tenths
- equivalent
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Fractions
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Show a fraction wall on the board. Pupils call out any pair of fractions they can see that are equivalent (e.g. 1/2 = 2/4 = 5/10). Record three or four pairs. Define numerator and denominator using one of the pupils' examples.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Model dividing a chocolate-bar diagram into ten equal parts to introduce tenths. Pupils shade tenths to represent given fractions on a worksheet (e.g. 3/10, 7/10). Move to equivalent fractions using the fraction wall: how many tenths is 1/2 equal to? Pupils complete a matching exercise pairing equivalent fractions. Final task: order 1/4, 1/2, 7/10, 3/10, 1/10 on a 0-1 number line.
Differentiation
Support
Use fraction tiles physically. Limit to halves, quarters, and tenths only. Provide pre-shaded examples to identify rather than create.
Core
Identify and compare unit fractions and tenths. Match equivalent fractions using the fraction wall.
Stretch
Find equivalent fractions without the fraction wall by multiplying numerator and denominator by the same factor. Justify why 4/10 and 2/5 are equivalent.
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Show a circle divided into ten equal parts with three shaded. Ask pupils to write the fraction shaded as both tenths (3/10) and to suggest any equivalent fractions they know.
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils often think a larger denominator means a larger fraction (e.g. 1/8 > 1/4 because 8 > 4). Use fraction tiles to make the size visually obvious.
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Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 3 maths lesson?
I can recognise, find, and compare unit fractions and tenths, and identify equivalent fractions.
How long does this fractions (tenths and equivalent fractions) lesson take?
60 minutes, structured into a starter, main activity, and plenary. Differentiation guidance is included for support, core, and stretch learners.
Is this lesson plan free to download?
Yes. The full plan is free to read and adapt. You can also generate an editable, fully resourced version in TAyumira's free lesson planner — no credit card required.
Does this lesson cover the UK National Curriculum?
Yes. This plan aligns with National Curriculum 2014: Year 3 Mathematics — Fractions.
Can I edit this lesson plan for my class?
Yes. Use this as a template and adapt to your class context. To save typing time, generate a customised version in TAyumira's free planner — your class size, ability range, and lesson length are factored in automatically.