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