In previous lessons, students partitioned circles and rectangles into halves, thirds, and fourths, and identified an equal piece of different shapes as half of, a third of, or a fourth of the shape.

In this lesson, students continue to practice partitioning circles and describe halves, thirds, and quarters of circles, using the language “half of,” “a third of,” and “a quarter of” to describe a piece of the shape. They also use this language to describe the whole shape as a number of equal pieces. Students recognize that a whole shape can be described as “2 halves,” “3 thirds,” or “4 fourths.” This understanding is the foundation for students’ work with a whole and fraction equivalency in grade 3.

The activities encourage students to use “quarters” and “a quarter of” when describing fourths of a circle. This word choice will help students connect to the language used when telling time to the half and quarter hour in upcoming lessons.

This lesson has a Student Section Summary.