Fractions+&+Decimals+Yr+1

Fractions and Decimals Sub Strand of Number and Algebra Year 1 Analysis

Background
Year one is essentially the first time young students examine fractions and decimals under the Number and Algebra strand of the Australian Curriculum. However for many it will not be the first time they have exhibited awareness for such terms as half and quarter (Siemon, Beswick, Brady, Clark, Faragher and Warren, 2011, P.397). At a very young age children are able to halve a piece of paper of associate with half a sandwich. Siemon et al (2011) states whilst children perceive to understand fraction language and representations most children are simply using the terms as they a familiar language used by a parent. With this in mind fractions and decimals during year one is about building on these practical experiences from home.

The Australian Curriculum
Outlined below are the content description and elaborations for fractions and decimals at a year one level.

Content description Recognise and describe one-half as one of two equal parts of a whole.

** Elaborations ** 1.Sharing a collection of readily available materials into two equal portions 2.Splitting an object into two equal pieces and describing how the pieces are equal (ACARA, 2011)

Activities
Activities for halving do not need to teach students how to halve. Siemon et al (2011, P.414) outlines halving is an intuitive process that students have become familiar with through informal experiences with cutting and folding. Activities concerning halves however should depict how the two parts are equal to one part (Siemon et al, 2011, P. 415). Students use objects they are familiar with in order to visualise and establish that when a round (orange, apple, mandarin), square (sandwich) or rectangle (muesli bar) is cut in half there are two equal parts. Students then explore the meaning of half: One part of two equal parts (de Klerk, 2005). The diagram below demonstrates how students can visualise and feel whilst learning about halves. Vocabulary used: //Half, sharing, equal parts, whole//
 * Activity 1 – Halving things we like to eat **