L3 Equivalence of One Half and Two Quarters

Working Without Worksheets – Year 2 Fractions: Equivalence of 1/2 and 2/4 This Working Without Worksheets lesson helps Year 2 pupils deepen their understanding of fractions by introducing the concept of equivalent fractions, focusing on the equivalence of one half (1/2) and two quarters (2/4). Through clear modelling and practical activities, children learn that fractions can look different but represent the same value. The lesson begins with a starter activity: Recap prior knowledge of fractions, multiplication and division, and addition and subtraction. Use the animated slides to review halves and quarters. See if any children can already recognise that two quarters are the same as one half using visual representations. In the main input, children explore equivalence in detail: Revisit the shaded square from the starter. Use animations to demonstrate that a quarter is half of a half, and therefore two quarters = one half. Introduce and explain the word ‘equivalent’, reinforcing that 2/4 and 1/2 are equal. Show this visually with: A chocolate bar example (dividing into halves and quarters). Strips of paper to demonstrate lengths. Engage the class in discussion: Do you find it easier to use halves or quarters? Does it depend on the problem? For the independent activity, pupils explore equivalence through hands-on folding: Provide images of food (e.g. pizza, sandwiches, fruit). Children cut out an image, fold it in half, and cut along the fold. Then fold one half again to make quarters and cut along the fold. Stick the pieces into books with an equals sign to demonstrate 1/2 = 2/4. Repeat with another food image. Discuss that, as these are real objects rather than perfect shapes, their folds may not be exact, but the principle remains the same. The plenary consolidates learning: Share examples in books, showing how two quarters are equivalent to one half. Encourage children to use key vocabulary: half, quarter, equal, equivalent. Link back to earlier work