Year 5 Maths Lesson Plan: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Free Year 5 maths lesson plan on the link between fractions, decimals, and percentages. Convert, compare, and apply to one-step word problems.
Learning objective
I can recognise the equivalence of fractions, decimals, and percentages and use these conversions to compare quantities.
Key vocabulary
- percent
- equivalent
- decimal
- fraction
- proportion
Curriculum: National Curriculum 2014: Year 5 Mathematics — Fractions, decimals, and percentages
Starter (5-10 minutes)
Display three values: 1/2, 0.5, 50%. Pupils discuss in pairs why all three represent the same amount. Repeat with 1/4 = 0.25 = 25% and 3/4 = 0.75 = 75% to embed the equivalence triplet.
Main activity (35-40 minutes)
Build an equivalence table: pupils complete the missing values in a table including 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1/5, and 1/100 in fraction, decimal, and percentage form. Move to applying — 'A coat costs £40. The shop reduces it by 25%. What is the new price?' Use a bar model to show 25% as 1/4 of the bar. Final task: order a mixed set 0.7, 65%, 3/4, 0.45, 50% from smallest to largest.
Differentiation
Support
Stick to halves, quarters, tenths, and percentages of 25, 50, and 75. Use bar models for every example.
Core
Convert between equivalent fractions, decimals, and percentages for common values. Apply to one-step problems.
Stretch
Find non-standard percentages (e.g. 15% of 80) and apply to multi-step problems involving discounts and tax.
Plenary (5-10 minutes)
Real-world percentage challenge: 'A test has 50 questions. Sara gets 35 right. What percentage did she score?' Discuss strategies (35/50 = 70/100 = 70%).
Common misconception to watch for
Pupils sometimes treat percentages as additive rather than proportional (e.g. 'If 50% off £40 is £20, then 25% off must be £15'). Use bar models to show the proportional relationship.
Want this fully resourced for your class — slides, worksheet, exit ticket?
Generate the full editable version of this Year 5 maths lesson plan in TAyumira's free planner. Slides, worked examples, differentiated tasks, and a check-for-understanding plenary — ready in minutes. No credit card.
Generate this lesson freeFrequently asked questions
What is the learning objective of this Year 5 maths lesson?
I can recognise the equivalence of fractions, decimals, and percentages and use these conversions to compare quantities.
How long does this fractions, decimals and percentages 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 5 Mathematics — Fractions, decimals, and percentages.
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.