Prepare the materials and goal
Give each pair three equal-sized rectangular paper strips and a pencil. The goal is to explain, using equal wholes, why one half and two quarters represent the same amount. Confirm that this goal matches the curriculum target for your class.
Fold, shade and compare
Ask learners to fold the first strip into two equal parts and shade one. Fold the second into four equal parts and shade two. Place the strips beside each other. Ask: “What stayed the same? What changed? How much paper is shaded?”
Listen for the important distinction
The number of pieces changes, but the shaded amount does not. Check that learners compare equal-sized wholes. A half of a large sheet cannot be compared directly with a half of a smaller sheet just because both are called one half.
Extend or support
For extra support, draw the fold lines first and let learners match shaded strips. For an extension, fold the third strip into eight equal parts and ask how many eighths match one half. Invite learners to explain the pattern in their own words before introducing a written rule.
Finish with a quick check
Ask each learner to draw a model showing a fraction equivalent to one half and write one sentence explaining it. Use the responses to decide who needs another concrete example. Ask your Co-teacher to adapt this activity for your lesson duration or available materials.