Lesson starters

Give the lesson a question worth exploring.

Use something pupils can notice and compare. Let their first explanation tell you where to take the lesson next.

Explore the opening task Browse the Library

Fractions three ways: show, compare and share, supplied pupil page 1 — Fractions three ways: show, compare and share. Pupils aged 8 to 10. English PDF.

Let a comparison open the conversation.

Keep the whole the same size. Show one half and two quarters, then ask pupils what they notice before naming the relationship.

A different partition gives you another question: what changed, and what stayed the same?

Open the fractions worksheet

Prepare a lesson-opening request

Help me prepare a primary lesson starter using the fraction models I supply. Ask for my year group and learning goal. Keep equal wholes, invite a prediction and ask pupils to explain their comparison. Add an optional sentence starter without giving the explanation.

Review and copy the request into PLAI™ with the material you want to use.

Compare the same whole in two ways.

Do they show the same amount? What makes you say that?

Open the fractions worksheet

Fractions three ways: show, compare and share, supplied pupil page 2 — **Fractions three ways: show, compare and share**Use bars, circles and a number line to represent fractions.

Leave something for pupils to explain.

Use the supplied fraction wall to compare one third and one half. Ask for a drawing or explanation that keeps the whole equal.

Listen to the first idea.

Ask what in the model supports it.

Offer another way in.

Use a paper strip, counters or oral rehearsal.

Keep a question independent.

Check whether pupils can explain a fresh comparison.

Open the lesson in a different way.

A scenario, a story or an investigation can give pupils another starting point.

Discuss a possible response.

Tricky Moments

Pupils aged 6 to 10 · English PDFOpen the material

Find a clue in a story.

The Keeper’s Lantern

Pupils aged 8 to 10 · English PDFOpen the material

Ask what makes a test fair.

Plan a fair test: variables, method and results

Pupils aged 11 to 14 · English PDFOpen the material

Find an opening worth exploring.

Choose one prompt, short recall task or first prediction. These are ways into the materials, rather than a requirement to complete the whole resource.

A few places to begin. Turn a card to see its teaching purpose.