L2 Recognise and Find Two Quarters

Working Without Worksheets – Year 2 Fractions: Finding Two Quarters This Working Without Worksheets lesson helps Year 2 pupils move beyond recognising one quarter to understanding two quarters (2/4) as a fraction. Through clear teacher modelling and practical activities, children learn how 2/4 links directly to 1/2, building their confidence in fraction notation and reasoning. The lesson begins with a starter activity: Recap prior learning in fractions, multiplication and division, and addition and subtraction. Revisit finding one quarter of shapes and quantities using familiar images. Children work together to complete sentences such as “1/4 of ___ is ___.” In the main input, children are introduced to two quarters as a fraction: Remind pupils of the square divided into quarters. Explain that counting two parts gives us two quarters. Introduce Zach and Leanna’s problem: Zach mistakenly suggests writing 11/44. Use this misconception to reinforce that the numerator shows the number of parts we have, and the denominator shows the total equal parts. Show that two quarters = 2/4. Model using a chocolate bar example to find 2/4 of a quantity. Practise completing “2/4 of ___ is ___” sentences on whiteboards. For the independent activity, children explore two quarters using a butterfly template: Each child receives a butterfly outline with four wings and a pot of counters (numbers chosen so they can be split equally into four groups). Children divide the counters equally across the four wings. Record answers in maths books: “1/4 of ___ is ___” “2/4 of ___ is ___” Swap pots to repeat the activity with different totals, ensuring varied practice. The plenary brings the learning together: Share answers from the butterfly activity. Discuss how 2/4 is the same as 1/2 and why fractions can show the same value in different ways. Reinforce correct fraction notation and encourage children to explain their reasoning using key vocabulary. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full tea