Equal or unequal parts
I can describe how a whole can be divided into parts and recognise equal and unequal parts.
Equal or unequal parts
I can describe how a whole can be divided into parts and recognise equal and unequal parts.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Wholes can be divided into parts. The whole could be an object, a shape or a set of objects.
- When all the parts are the same size, they are equal parts.
- When all the parts are not the same size, they are unequal parts.
- Equal parts of the same shape may look different.
Keywords
Whole - All the parts / all of a group or number.
Part - A piece or section of the whole.
Equal - We say that two or more things are equal if they have the same quantity or value.
Unequal - We say that two or more things are unequal if they do not have the same quantity or value.
Common misconception
Children may think that when a shape has been split straight through the middle that the parts are equal.
Encourage children to compare the sizes of each part by lining them up next to each other. With paper shapes, children can cut out the parts and lay them on top of each other to see if the parts are equal or unequal in size.
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Equal or unequal parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Equal or unequal parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Fractions: identify equal parts and be familiar with halves, thirds and quarters unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

4 apples
3 apples
5 apples

is a part
is the whole
is a part

Exit quiz
6 Questions

has been divided into 4 parts.
has been divided into 3 parts.
has been divided into 5 parts.
the parts are equal parts.
the parts are unequal parts.








