Free Mixed Numbers Lesson Plan for 4th Grade Students

Topic: converting mixed numbers into proper fractions

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to convert mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Materials

• Pencils
• Paper
• Mixed numbers on the board or in a worksheet
• Proper fractions on the board or in a worksheet

Warm-up

• Ask students to give an example of a mixed number.
• Ask students to give an example of a proper fraction.
• Ask students if they can explain how to convert a mixed number into an improper fraction.

Direct Instruction

• Write the mixed number 1 2 on the board and ask students to identify the whole number part and the fractional part.
• Ask students what they need to do to convert the mixed number into an improper fraction.
• For example, if the mixed number is 1 2, students should recognize that they need to divide the whole number part by the fractional part to obtain the improper fraction 1÷2.
• Ask students to write the improper fraction 1÷2 on the board.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to solve additional mixed number problems, using the same process outlined above.
• As students work, circulate around the room to provide assistance as needed.
• For example:
• If a student is having difficulty identifying the whole number part and the fractional part of the mixed number, you could point to each part and ask the student to identify it.
• If a student is having difficulty dividing the whole number part by the fractional part, you could show the student how to divide the numerator by the denominator.

Independent Practice

• Have students work in small groups to solve additional mixed number problems, outside of the direct supervision of the teacher.
• Encourage students to use their calculators to help them with the division process, if they have access to one.
• For example:
• If a student is having difficulty identifying the whole number part and the fractional part of the mixed number, you could have the student work with their group members to come up with a strategy for identifying the parts.
• If a student is having difficulty dividing the whole number part by the fractional part, you could have the student work with their group members to come up with a strategy for dividing the numerator by the denominator.

Closure

• Review the key concept of converting a mixed number into an improper fraction.
• Ask students to share any strategies they used for dividing the numerator by the denominator.
• Encourage students to continue practicing their skills with mixed number problems, beyond the scope of this lesson.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided practice and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of the concept.
• Collect and review their completed worksheets for accuracy and proper use of the conversion process.