Introduction
By Year 4, children are expected to take their understanding of fractions to a new level. They move from simply recognising halves and quarters to working confidently with tenths, equivalent fractions, and even adding and subtracting fractions. If you’re homeschooling or supporting your child’s learning at home, this guide will give you clear explanations, step-by-step teaching help, and fun activities to make fractions far less daunting.
Understanding the Concept
In Year 4 maths, fractions are about recognising that a whole can be divided into equal parts and understanding how these parts relate to each other. Key skills include:
- Recognising and showing equivalent fractions (e.g., ½ = 2/4 = 4/8).
- Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator.
- Counting in fractions (e.g., 1/10, 2/10, 3/10).
- Understanding fractions as numbers on a number line.
A simple way to explain this: fractions are just another way of showing division and sharing. They help us work with numbers that aren’t whole.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Parents
- Start with Visuals
- Use a pizza, cake, or even a chocolate bar. Show how dividing it into equal pieces creates fractions.
- Ask: “If I cut this pizza into 4 equal parts, what fraction is each part?”
- Introduce Equivalent Fractions
- Cut a strip of paper into two equal parts (½). Then cut another strip into four parts (¼). Place them together to show that ½ is the same size as 2/4.
- Reinforce with the idea: “Different numbers, same amount.”
- ½ = 2/4
- 2/3 = 4/6
- Add and Subtract Fractions (Same Denominators)
- Start with easy examples: 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6.
- Use objects or pictures first before moving to numbers.
- Fractions on a Number Line
- Draw a line from 0 to 1, mark ½, ¼, and ¾.
- Ask your child to place fractions in the right place.
Hands-On Activities
1. Fraction Hunt Around the House
- Look for real-life fractions: a half-full glass of water, a quarter of a sandwich, three-quarters of a packet of biscuits.
- Ask your child to name the fraction and, if possible, write it down.
Sibling adaptation: Younger children can spot “halves” and “quarters,” while older siblings can look for more complex fractions like eighths or tenths.
2. Paper Strip Fractions
- Cut strips of paper and fold them into halves, quarters, and eighths.
- Line them up to compare sizes.
- Ask: “Which is bigger—1/3 or 1/4?”
Worked example: Fold one strip into 3 equal parts and another into 4. Place them side by side to see that 1/3 is bigger than 1/4.
3. Fraction Pizza Game
- Draw a pizza and divide it into equal slices.
- Call out fractions, and your child colours the right number of slices.
- Example: “Colour 3/8 of the pizza.”
Real-Life Connections
- Cooking: Measuring ½ cup of flour or ¼ teaspoon of salt when baking.
- Sharing: Splitting a chocolate bar or pizza equally between family members.
- Shopping: Working out discounts like ½ price or ¼ off.
Common Mistakes Children Make
- Thinking bigger denominators mean bigger fractions (remind them that 1/8 is smaller than 1/4).
- Forgetting to keep the denominator the same when adding or subtracting.
- Mixing up equivalent fractions (½ does not equal 1/3).
Don’t worry if this happens—it’s part of learning and practice will help.
Free Online Resources
- BBC Bitesize – Fractions – Clear explanations and short quizzes.
- Topmarks Fractions Games – Free interactive fraction games.
Closing Encouragement
Fractions don’t have to be a source of frustration. With visuals, real-life examples, and playful activities, your child will gain confidence step by step. If your child continues to find fractions tricky, a tutor can provide personalised support to build skills at the right pace.
Extra Support with Battersea House
At Battersea House, we know every child learns differently, and sometimes a little extra guidance can make all the difference. Alongside our free homeschooling resources, we also offer personalised online tutoring to help children grow in confidence and achieve their full potential. If you’d like tailored support in maths, English, or beyond, visit batterseahouse.co.uk to learn more.