Equivalent fractions are an important skill to introduce to your students prior to teaching them how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. This can be challenging at first. If you teach them to create equivalent fractions using digital visual models, they'll have the opportunity to interact with the fraction models and truly "see" them concretely. The easiest way to do this is to draw a rectangular fraction model, shading in the number of pieces indicated by the ... Read More about Equivalent Fractions Using Digital Visual Models
Terry's Teaching Tidbits
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Adding and Subtracting Fractions
If you're working on adding and subtracting fractions with your students, make sure that you're using various strategies. It's important to show students how to use visual models in addition to the standard algorithm. In 4th grade, students mostly work on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. By 5th grade, unlike denominators are used for adding and subtracting both fractions and mixed numbers. Visual Models Creating a fraction model is important in showing ... Read More about Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Simplifying Fractions
If your students are struggling with simplifying fractions, follow these 3 easy steps. 3 Steps for Simplifying Fractions Step 1: List the factors for both the numerator and denominator. Step 2: Circle the greatest factor they both have in common, known as the greatest common factor. (GCF) Step 3: Divide both the numerator AND denominator by the GCF. See the video below for a step-by-step example and a free download of the template here. Want a Notes Page ... Read More about Simplifying Fractions
Introducing Fractions
If you're getting ready to introduce fractions to your students, I have some great tools to help you. Your students will see fractions as parts of a whole and gain a stronger foundation before diving into more complex fraction skills. Introducing Basic Fractions Fraction Tiles Use circles or tiles to have students: compare and order unit fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.) combine unit fractions to compare fractions with unlike denominators Use a whiteboard and ... Read More about Introducing Fractions
