Adding & Subtracting Fractions

Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

20 minutes

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Common Core Standards

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• I can add fractions with unlike denominators using visual models.
• I can subtract fractions with unlike denominators using visual models.
• I can find common denominators to rewrite fractions before adding or subtracting.

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Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success by:

• Correctly identifying a common denominator for two fractions.
• Using visual fraction models (such as fraction bars or circles) to add and subtract fractions.
• Explaining their process using accurate mathematical vocabulary.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Fraction bars or circles (printable or physical manipulatives)
• Paper and pencils
• Dyslexia-friendly printouts with large font, clear spacing, and color-coded denominators

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Objective (3 minutes)

• Briefly introduce the concept of adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
• Write the "I can" statements on the board:
  I can find common denominators to add and subtract fractions.
  I can use visual models to help me add and subtract fractions.
• Share the success criteria with the class.

2. Guided Visual Demonstration (7 minutes)

• Use fraction bars or circles projected or physically shown to demonstrate:
  • Example 1: Add 1/3 + 1/4
    • Show 1/3 and 1/4 using different colors.
    • Find common denominator (12), show how to convert: 1/3 = 4/12, 1/4=3/12.
    • Combine visually to make 7/12.
  • Example 2: Subtract 3/5 - 1/2
    • Show 3/5 and 1/2 visually.
    • Find common denominator (10), convert: 3/5=6/10, 1/2=5/10.
    • Subtract visually to get 1/10.
• Ask students to describe what they see and how the common denominator helps.

3. Student Practice with Visual Models (7 minutes)

• Hand out fraction bars or circles and dyslexia-friendly printouts.
• Assign 2 problems for students to solve in pairs with manipulatives:
  • Add 2/3 + 1/6
  • Subtract 5/8 - 1/4
• Circulate and support.
• Encourage students to explain their steps verbally or in writing, referring to the visuals.

4. Wrap-Up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Invite 2-3 students to explain their strategy using visuals.
• Revisit "I can" statements and ask:
  • Did you find common denominators?
  • Did the visual help you understand?
• Highlight common denominators as the key strategy.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For struggling learners:
  • Use color-coded fraction bars for easier matching.
  • Pair verbal explanations with visuals.
  • Allow use of calculators for checking sums only after the visual method is applied.
• For students with dyslexia:
  • Provide dyslexia-friendly worksheets using sans-serif fonts like OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans, 14+ pt font, and increased line spacing.
  • Use color coding to differentiate denominators.
  • Incorporate oral instructions and check for understanding frequently.
• For English Language Learners (ELLs):
  • Use gestures and visual cues.
  • Simplify language and use sentence stems (e.g., “The common denominator is ____.”).
• For advanced learners:
  • Challenge with mixed numbers addition/subtraction using visual models.
  • Introduce concept of simplifying fractions after adding/subtracting.
  • Pose real-world word problems involving unlike denominators.

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Extension Activities

• Create your own fraction problems with unlike denominators and solve with visuals.
• Explore adding/subtracting fractions with denominators over 12 using fraction strips or drawing your own fraction models.
• Investigate improper fractions and mixed numbers in addition and subtraction using visual aids.

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Assessment / Exit Ticket (optional if time allows)

• Give a quick problem: Add 3/4 + 1/6 using visuals (draw fraction bars or circles).
• Ask students to write down the common denominator and final answer.
• Collect for informal assessment or have students explain their answer to a partner.

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Teacher Reflection

After the lesson, consider:

• Did visual models help all students grasp the concept?
• Which students needed more support or extension?
• How effective were the dyslexia-friendly materials and strategies?
• Adjust pacing or add more guided practice if needed next time.

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This compact, visual, and inclusive lesson plan leverages hands-on fraction models grounded in the Common Core standards, engaging diverse learners with clear goals and supports. It builds foundational fraction sense and prepares students for more complex fraction operations.