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Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

60 minutes

Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.B.7
Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

Specifically:

• Interpret division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number, and compute such quotients.
• Interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction, and compute such quotients.
• Solve word problems involving division of unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

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Learning Objectives ("I Can" Statements)

• I can divide a unit fraction by a whole number and explain my reasoning.
• I can divide a whole number by a unit fraction using models and symbols.
• I can solve real-world problems involving division of unit fractions and whole numbers.
• I can use fraction strips, number lines, and decimal grids to visualize division of fractions.

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Success Criteria

• I can accurately compute division problems involving unit fractions and whole numbers.
• I can use multiple visual models to demonstrate my understanding.
• I can explain my thinking clearly using mathematical vocabulary.
• I can solve word problems involving these types of division with minimal errors.

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Materials

• Fraction strips (laminated or printed)
• Number line posters and handouts
• Decimal grids (10x10) handouts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Student notebooks
• Dyslexia-friendly printed worksheets with clear fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic) and color-coded fraction visuals
• 15 prepared worksheets with varied problem sets (designed following i-Ready phases)
• Calculators (optional for extension activities)

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Lesson Outline

1. Explore Phase: Introduction & Conceptual Understanding (15 minutes)

Objective: Build foundational understanding through visual models and discussion.

• Begin with a brief review of fractions (especially unit fractions) and division concepts.
• Use fraction strips to model “What does it mean to divide 1/3 by 2?” and “What does it mean to divide 4 by 1/5?”
• Display these problems visually on fraction strips and number lines:
  • Example 1: Divide 1/3 by 2 (model cutting the fraction strip of 1/3 into 2 equal parts).
  • Example 2: Divide 4 by 1/5 (how many 1/5 pieces are in 4? Use number line hopping).
• Ask students to talk through what they notice and record observations in notebooks.

Teacher Notes:

• Use clear color coding for fractions to differentiate numerators and denominators.
• Read questions aloud slowly and clarify vocabulary to support students with dyslexia.
• Encourage use of visuals over text when explaining.

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2. Develop Phase: Guided Instruction & Collaborative Practice (20 minutes)

Objective: Practice calculation and explanation with visual aids and teacher support.

• Solve additional sample problems together, gradually increasing difficulty, integrating decimals for deeper understanding:
  • Divide 2/5 by 3
  • Divide 7 by 1/2
  • Word problem: "Sarah ate 1/4 of a cake, and she wants to share her piece equally with 3 friends. How much cake does each friend get?"
• Use decimal grids to reinforce equivalence between fractions & decimals.
• Students work in pairs using fraction strips and number lines to model and solve problems.
• Teacher circulates to provide individual support and prompts.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Provide step-by-step visual guides for students needing extra support.
• Dyslexia-friendly instructions with bullet points and highlighted key terms.
• Advanced learners challenge: Find the value of dividing mixed numbers by unit fractions (e.g., 3 1/2 ÷ 1/4).

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3. Apply Phase: Independent Practice & Formative Assessment (20 minutes)

Objective: Individual mastery through varied problem-solving.

• Students complete a worksheet with 10 problems covering:
  • Dividing unit fractions by whole numbers
  • Dividing whole numbers by unit fractions
  • Word problems that require application
• Visual aids are available for reference.
• Teacher provides dyslexia-friendly reading of questions if needed.

Formative Assessment:

• Collect worksheets for quick review.
• Observe strategies students employ during independent work.
• Use exit tickets with 2-3 quick questions to assess understanding.

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4. Extension Activity for Advanced Learners (5 minutes)

Objective: Apply concepts to higher-order thinking problems.

• Challenge students to create their own word problems involving division of unit fractions and whole numbers.
• Encourage use of drawing fraction strips or number lines to illustrate their problem.
• Optionally use calculators to verify answers involving decimal equivalents.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Struggling learners	Use multisensory fraction strips and number lines, simplified language, and stepwise examples. Dyslexia-friendly fonts and instructions.
English language learners (ELL)	Visuals paired with small-group verbal support and simplified vocabulary.
Advanced learners	Provide extension tasks involving mixed numbers and decimals, create own problems.
Students with attention difficulties	Keep tasks broken into chunks, incorporate hands-on materials for engagement.
Dyslexic students	Use clean layout, larger font size, OpenDyslexic font, color-coded fraction visuals, read questions aloud, provide extra time.

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Visual Supports Description

• Fraction Strips: Laminated strips showing fractions 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, and their divided parts, color-coded by fraction type.
• Number Lines: Large printed number lines (0 to 5 with fractional increments) used to model division as repeated subtraction or sharing.
• Decimal Grids: 10x10 grids shaded to represent fractions and decimals, bridging fraction-decimal concepts.

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Sample "I Can" Statements for Students

• I can explain how dividing a fraction by a whole number changes its size.
• I can find how many times a unit fraction fits into a whole number.
• I can model division problems with fraction strips and number lines.
• I can solve word problems that involve dividing fractions with confidence.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Review student worksheets for accuracy and understanding.
• Use exit tickets to gauge conceptual clarity.
• Adjust instruction for next lesson based on common misconceptions observed.

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15 Worksheets Overview (Sample Content)

• 5 problems dividing unit fractions by whole numbers
• 5 problems dividing whole numbers by unit fractions
• 3 mixed word problems requiring modeling and computation
• 2 extension applying division to mixed numbers or decimals

All worksheets are designed with dyslexia-friendly fonts and clear, colorful visuals to scaffold understanding and retain engagement.

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Summary

This comprehensive lesson plan engages fifth-grade students in conceptual and procedural understanding of dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and vice versa. Utilizing the i-Ready Explore, Develop, Apply framework ensures scaffolded learning with rich visual supports and differentiation for diverse learners. This approach meets Common Core requirements and encourages confident mathematical reasoning and problem solving.