Unlike 4th grade, 5th graders will now be expected to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. While at first this may feel like you have 5 oranges and are asked to subtract 3 apples, using models will help students find common denominators and add and subtract fractions. Easy as fruit pie! Adding Fractions With

Fourth grade really focuses on cementing the idea that fractions are parts of a whole that can be added together or broken apart. Students work solely with like denominators to add, subtract, model, write equations, and justify their thinking. Students should be able to do this with mixed numbers and fractions and be able to

As we continue our journey through teaching fractions, it’s time to add and subtract.  Again, modeling is key to helping students understand and explain the process of adding and subtracting fractions.  The table below shows the expectations for adding and subtracting fractions in 4th and 5th grade. 4th Grade: Understand adding and subtracting fractions as

In the last post, I gave an overview of using math tools to model fractions for comparisons. Here we’ll dive deeper into examples and how to support third graders as they develop their understanding of fractions through comparisons. Comparing Fractions With the Same Denominator Start out with different fractions that have the same denominator.  Since

Time for fractions! Whether you get a jolt of excitement or a sense of fear upon hearing those words, you’ve come to the right place. In this series on Comparing Fractions, we’ll take a look at how students are introduced to the concept in 3rd grade through mastery in 4th grade. Best of all, this

In the last blog post, I gave an overview of equivalent fractions across the grades. Here I will share some tips for teaching equivalent fractions to 4th graders. If your students need a review, check out 3rd Grade Equivalent Fractions for more ideas! Fourth graders are developing their understanding of fraction equivalency. Lots of modeling,