4th Grade Adding And Subtracting Fractions Lesson Plan (Math)

Topic: Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Equal Denominators

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to add and subtract fractions with equal denominators using objects and pictorial models that build to the number line and properties of operations.

Materials

• Fraction cards with fractional denominators such as ½, ¼, ?, and so on
• Fraction cards with mixed denominators such as ? and ¾
• Interactive whiteboard or large chalkboard
• Fraction strips
• Fraction blocks or manipulatives of choice (optional)

Warm-Up

• Review the concept of fractions as parts of a whole.
• Show students a pile of candies or other small objects and ask them to share out the pile into equal groups.
• Have them share out the pile a few times, asking them to make sure each group has the same number of objects.
• Ask them if they can think of a way to share out the pile of candies into three equal groups, but this time, make sure each group has a different number of candies.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of equal denominators, and explain that we can only add or subtract fractions if the denominators (the bottom part of the fraction) are equal.
• Show students a stack of cards with fractions on them and have them sort the cards into groups based on their denominators.
• Have them sort the cards into groups with the same number of cards in each group, and groups with different numbers of cards.
• Explain that we can only add or subtract fractions if the denominators are the same, but we can multiply or divide fractions if the numerators (the top part of the fraction) are the same.
• Explain that we can use objects and pictorial models to represent addition and subtraction of fractions with equal denominators.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs, and give each pair a set of fraction cards.
• Have them use the cards to create a group with equal denominators, and then create another group with equal denominators that is different from the first group.
• Have them use the cards to create a group with the same number of cards in each group, and another group with different numbers of cards.
• Have them use the cards to create a group with the same numerators, and another group with different numerators.
• Have them use the cards to create a group with the same denominators and numerators, and another group with different denominators and numerators.
• Explain that they can use the objects or pictorial models to represent the addition or subtraction of fractions with equal denominators.
• Have them work in pairs to create a group of fraction objects or pictorial models that represents the addition or subtraction of fractions with equal denominators.

Independent Practice

• Provide students with a worksheet that includes addition and subtraction problems involving fractions with equal denominators.
• Have them solve the problems using the objects or pictorial models that they created in the guided practice activity.
• Have them justify their answers by using the properties of operations.

Closure

• Review the key concepts of addition and subtraction of fractions with equal denominators and the roles of the objects and pictorial models in solving these problems.
• Ask students to share one thing they learned about adding and subtracting fractions during the lesson.

Assessment

• Observe students during independent practice to assess their ability to use the objects and pictorial models to represent and solve problems.
• Collect and review students' completed worksheets for accuracy and understanding of the concept taught.