Level structure

Topic: Fractions | Objective: Solve fraction problems with increasing complexity | Audience: Primary school (Grade 4) | Duration: 45 minutes | Class size: 25

The system is called Fraction Quest. Three levels, each unlocked by completing the previous one. All learners start at Level 1 simultaneously. Levels are displayed on the board. Learners track their own progress on a personal tracker card.

Unlock criteria per level

• Level 1 → Level 2: Complete 4 of 5 Level 1 questions correctly. Self-check using the answer key posted at the front. Circle your score and flip your tracker to “Level 2 Ready.”
• Level 2 → Level 3: Complete 3 of 4 Level 2 questions correctly. Show your work to the facilitator or a designated peer checker before advancing.
• Level 3 → Bonus Level: Complete all 3 Level 3 questions correctly with working shown. Unlocked only if the class is moving fast — facilitator announces availability.

Tasks per level

Level 1 — Apprentice (10 min): Identify and shade fractions on diagrams. Compare two fractions with the same denominator. 5 questions. Self-marked.

Level 2 — Explorer (15 min): Add fractions with the same denominator. Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers. Write a fraction from a word problem. 4 questions. Peer or facilitator checked.

Level 3 — Champion (12 min): Add fractions with unlike denominators. Solve a two-step word problem involving fractions. Explain your method in one sentence. 3 questions. Facilitator checked.

Bonus Level — Master (if unlocked): Create your own fraction word problem for a partner to solve. Write the answer key. Swap and solve each other’s problem.

Opening script

“Today you’ll progress through levels by completing fraction challenges. Everyone starts at Level 1. When you finish and check your answers, you unlock the next level. There are three levels — plus a bonus level if you move fast. You work at your own pace. This is not a race — it’s a quest. Pick up your Level 1 sheet and your tracker card. You have 10 minutes. Go.”

Transition lines

• “If you’re flipping to Level 2 Ready — well done. Pick up the blue sheet from the front and keep going.”
• “Level 2 complete — show your work to a checker, then pick up the red sheet. Level 3 is the hardest.”
• “Bonus Level is now unlocked for anyone who has completed Level 3. See me for the bonus card.”

Pacing controls

• Class moves fast: Announce the Bonus Level at the 30-minute mark. “We’re moving well — Bonus Level is open. If you’ve finished Level 3, come see me.”
• Class struggles at Level 2: Pause the class. “Everyone stop for 2 minutes. Let me show you one example of converting an improper fraction — then continue.” Brief whole-class mini-demo before resuming independent work.
• Hint tokens: Each learner has 2 hint tokens on their tracker card. They may hand one in to the facilitator for a worked step — not a full answer. Tokens cannot be replenished.

Facilitation tips

• If learners are stuck: Do not answer directly — ask “What did you do on the last question that worked?” Redirect to prior success before offering a hint token prompt.
• If engagement drops mid-level: Announce a timed challenge: “Next 90 seconds — anyone who completes the next question earns a bonus star on their tracker.” One use per lesson.
• If time runs short: At the 38-minute mark, direct all learners to attempt at least one Level 3 question with a simplified version: “Write the answer only — working not required for the last question.” Ensures everyone reaches Level 3 content.
• Peer checking in Level 2: Assign two designated checkers per session — capable learners who finished Level 2 quickly. Brief them on what correct working looks like before the session begins.

Closing line

“Every level you completed today is a skill you now own. Level 1 is not easy — it’s the foundation everything else stands on. If you reached Level 3, you did something genuinely hard. Remember that.”