Adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators -  Mathematics Instructional Plans (MIPs) help teachers align instruction with the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the knowledge, skills and processes found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom.

I created this game as a review for my students.  It’s an engaging way to practice sol 3.2a, name and write fractions (proper and improper) and mixed numbers represented by a model, sol 3.2b, represent fractions and mixed numbers with models and symbols, and sol 3.5, add and subtract fractions.  In this 5-round game, students work in small groups cooperatively.  After each round is completed, the student takes the recording sheet to the teacher to be checked.  Students shoot a small ball into a trash can, laundry basket, or bucket from lines taped on the floor to earn points for their team.  Team games such as this one motivates my students to learn and helps them take responsibility for their learning. 

In this 45-day module, students build on their Grade 3 work with unit fractions as they explore fraction equivalence and extend this understanding to mixed numbers. This leads to the comparison of fractions and mixed numbers and the representation of both in a variety of models. Benchmark fractions play an important part in student's ability to generalize and reason about relative fraction and mixed number sizes. Students then have the opportunity to apply what they know to be true for whole number operations to the new concepts of fraction and mixed number operations.
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