Bar Models for Ratios
Represent ratio and proportion problems using bar models (rectangular strips divided into equal parts labelled with quantities) and tape diagrams (segmented strips showing part-to-part and part-to-whole relationships); use these visual models to set up and solve unequal sharing, scaling, and percentage problems — drawing the diagram first, then reading off the answer
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Bar Models for Ratios means practising the idea at the table with counters or paper models and one clear check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- 100-square grid or 10×10 paper
- Pencil
Extra for the adult
Worked example. 25 shaded squares out of 100 is 25%.
Optional challenge. For Bar Models for Ratios, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Bar Models for Ratios, not mastery.
Share and support
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
Bar Models for Ratios means practising the idea at the table with counters or paper models and one clear check. We will demo once, then your child tries.
Materials: 100-square grid or 10×10 paper; Pencil. Adult shades 25 squares and says 25%. Child shades three percent amounts and names each percent. Done: three correct percent names for shaded parts. Stop after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceBar Models for Ratios practice
Practice key ideas from Bar Models for Ratios.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
BBC Bitesize · Practice link — not the full lesson
KS2 Maths
Before you open · source notes
KS2 Maths supports Bar Models for Ratios. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.
Free educational page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public BBC Bitesize page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
BBC Bitesize. “KS2 Maths.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Draw a bar model to represent a ratio problem — e.g. sharing £20 in the ratio 3:2 by drawing 5 equal blocks
- Use a bar model to solve a proportion problem and explain each step
- Compare bar models with other representations (tables, double number lines) and explain when each is most useful
“If your child needs to share 30 stickers between two friends in a 2:3 ratio, can they draw a bar model — splitting a strip into 5 equal boxes — and use it to work out each share without just guessing?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Representational
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Ratio & Proportion
- Age range
- Ages 9–12
Standards