Halves, Quarters and Sharing: Year 1 Study Guide
Fractions begin with fair sharing: equal parts of a whole.
Fair sharing is the start of fractions. If two children share a sandwich so each gets the same amount, each gets a half. If four children share a pizza fairly, each gets a quarter. In Year 1, children recognise and describe one half and one quarter as parts of a whole or a collection.
A whole is one complete thing. Two halves make a whole, and four quarters make a whole. The parts must be equal: if one piece is bigger, the parts are not halves.
Halves and quarters of shapes
Fold a paper circle in half so the edges meet, and you make two equal halves. Fold it again and you have four equal quarters. The parts can look different but must have the same area. A square can be halved by a vertical, horizontal or diagonal fold.
| Fraction | Parts in the whole | Words |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 2 equal parts | one half |
| 1/4 | 4 equal parts | one quarter |
| 2/4 | 2 of 4 equal parts | two quarters (same as a half) |
Halves and quarters of groups
A collection can also be shared. Half of 8 grapes is 4 grapes (share 8 into 2 equal groups). A quarter of 8 grapes is 2 grapes (share into 4 equal groups). Children can act this out with counters before writing any numbers.
Sharing in real life
Find halves and quarters at home: cut an apple, share crackers, fold a tea towel. Say the words as you do: 'I cut the toast into halves.' Talk about fairness and check by comparing the pieces.
A piece of paper.
Match the edges.
Halves or quarters?
Do the parts match?
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Half of 10 stickers is 5. Example: A quarter of 12 is 3. Common mistakes: saying that any two pieces are halves, and thinking a quarter is bigger than a half because 4 is bigger than 2. More parts mean smaller parts. Use paper models to show that a quarter is half of a half.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Draw a rectangle and divide it into four equal parts, for example two lines crossing in the middle. 2. 6. 3. A half must be one of two equal parts. If one piece is bigger, they are not equal.
✨ Key Takeaways
- A fraction is an equal part of a whole.
- Two halves or four quarters make a whole.
- Halves and quarters apply to shapes and groups.
- The parts must be equal.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Draw a rectangle and show quarters.
- What is half of 12?
- Why are two unequal pieces not halves?
Print graph paper for shape drawing →