| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Mathematics |
| What topic | Adding mixed fractions |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 4 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Mathematics
Adding Mixed Fractions
Grade 4
30 minutes
20 students
This lesson corresponds with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, specifically focusing on fractions in Grade 4.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 mins | Briefly explain mixed fractions and their components. Use visuals like fraction circles. |
| 2 | Direct Instruction | 10 mins | Demonstrate the steps for adding mixed fractions on the whiteboard, including finding a common denominator if necessary. Use examples. |
| 3 | Guided Practice | 5 mins | Work through a couple of example problems as a class. Involve students by asking them to suggest steps. |
| 4 | Independent Practice | 5 mins | Distribute worksheets for students to practice adding mixed fractions independently. |
| 5 | Homework Assignment | 3 mins | Assign homework related to adding mixed fractions. Ensure to explain that students will check their homework at the beginning of the next class. |
| 6 | Closing | 2 mins | Recap the lesson highlights and answer any remaining questions. Encourage students to review homework. |
"Good morning, class! Today, we are going to dive into the exciting world of fractions, specifically mixed fractions. Can anyone tell me what a mixed fraction is?" [Pause for student responses.] "Great! A mixed fraction is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, like 2 and 1/2. To help us understand this better, I have these fraction circles here." [Show fraction circles.] "These will help us visualize what we’re working with today. Now, let’s move on to how we can add these mixed fractions!"
"Alright, let’s take a closer look at how we add mixed fractions. We have two important steps to follow: First, we need to add the whole numbers together. Then, we’ll add the fractions, and if they don’t have the same denominator, we’ll find a common denominator. Let’s look at an example on the board." [Write the mixed fractions on the whiteboard.]
"Let’s say we have 2 and 1/4 plus 3 and 2/5. First, we add the whole numbers, which gives us 2 + 3 equals 5. Now, for the fractions, we have 1/4 and 2/5. Who remembers how we can add these fractions?" [Engage the class and guide them to the answer.] "That’s right! We need a common denominator. The least common denominator for 4 and 5 is 20."
"I’m going to convert both fractions now." [Show the conversion on the board.] "So, 1/4 becomes 5/20, and 2/5 becomes 8/20. Now we can add them: 5/20 plus 8/20 equals 13/20. Don’t forget our whole number 5! So the full answer is 5 and 13/20."
"Now that we’ve gone through an example together, let’s practice as a class. Who can suggest another mixed fraction for us to add?" [Encourage student participation and write the suggested fractions on the board.] "Let’s say we are adding 1 and 2/3 plus 2 and 1/4. First, what do we do with the whole numbers?" [Wait for responses] "Exactly! We add 1 + 2, which equals 3."
"Now, how do we handle the fractions, 2/3 and 1/4?" [Listen for responses and guide them through finding the common denominator.] "Great job! The least common denominator here is 12. Let’s convert both fractions together." [Work through the steps with student input, ensuring everyone is following along.]
"Fantastic work, everyone! Now I have some worksheets for you. I’d like you to complete these on your own. You’ll find several mixed fraction addition problems to solve." [Distribute worksheets.] "Remember to follow the steps we discussed: add the whole numbers first, then the fractions, and find a common denominator if you need to. I’m here to help, so raise your hand if you get stuck."
"Before we wrap up, I have a homework assignment for you all. Please complete the additional mixed fraction addition problems on the last page of your worksheet tonight. We’ll check your homework together at the beginning of our next class, so make sure to bring it!"
"I want you to try your best and remember the steps we practiced today."
"Alright, let’s recap what we learned today. We explored mixed fractions, learned how to add them by combining whole numbers and fractions, and practiced on our own." [Pause for questions.] "Are there any remaining questions before we finish?" [Address any questions.]
"Great participation today, everyone! I encourage you to revisit your notes and review the homework. See you all in the next class!"
What is a mixed fraction? Provide an example.
When adding mixed fractions, what are the two main steps you should follow?
If you have the mixed fractions 1 and 3/8 plus 2 and 1/2, what is the first step you would take?
Calculate the sum of the mixed fractions 4 and 1/3 and 3 and 2/5. Show your work, including how you found the common denominator.
Explain why finding a common denominator is necessary when adding fractions.
Solve the following problem: Add 2 and 2/7 to 5 and 3/14. What is your final answer?
Give two examples of mixed fractions that can be added together and complete the addition for each.
List a step-by-step process for adding two mixed fractions to ensure you do not miss any crucial steps.
How would you convert the mixed fraction 3 and 1/6 into an improper fraction?
Review your notes on mixed fractions and describe one thing you found challenging about this topic. How did you overcome that challenge?