4th Grade To Compare And Order Fractions With Different Denominators Lesson Plan Example

Topic: To compare and order fractions with different denominators

Objectives & Outcomes

Students will be able to compare and order fractions with different denominators.

Strategies

• Students will practice comparing and ordering fractions with different denominators using manipulatives such as counters or bags of chips.
• Students will write a fraction in fraction-digits form and compare it to another fraction in fraction-digits form to determine which is smaller.

Materials

• Counters or bags of chips
• Fraction strips or other manipulatives showing different fractions with different denominators
• Writing tools such as pencils or markers

Warm-Up

• Have students take a few minutes to look at the fractions strips or other manipulatives and observe how they are similar and how they are different.
• Ask students if they can already think of a way to compare and order fractions with different denominators.
• Let students share their ideas and discuss.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of fractions and denominators.
• Explain that fractions are a way to compare parts of a whole.
• Denominators are the numbers below the fraction bars that represent the total amount of parts of a whole.
• For example, in the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, the denominators are 2 and 3, respectively, because there are 2 and 3 parts of a whole, respectively.
• Have students work with a partner to compare and order fractions with different denominators using the strategy they came up with in the warm-up activity.

Guided Practice

• Pass out the handouts with fraction comparisons to each student.
• Have students work with a partner to solve the problems using the strategy they came up with in the warm-up activity (e.g. comparing the numerators, comparing the denominators, etc.).
• As a class, discuss and solve the problems together, checking for understanding as you go.

Independent Practice

• Divide students into groups and give each group a set of fraction comparisons to solve.
• Have students work independently to solve the problems using the strategy they came up with in the warm-up activity.
• Encourage students to discuss and solve the problems together if they have difficulty.

Closure

• Review the steps for comparing and ordering fractions with different denominators.
• Remind students to think about the magnitude of the fractions and look for common denominators.
• Ask students to share one thing they learned about comparing and ordering fractions with different denominators.

Assessment:

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of the material.
• Collect and review their work for accuracy and understanding.