We began Cycle 2 this week with learning how to ADD and SUBTRACT fractions with common denominators. Students learned that when adding and subtracting, the denominator stays the SAME. This makes basic adding and subtracting very simple!
We increased the rigor by introducing the same concept using mixed numbers. With adding, students learned to combine the wholes first, and then the fraction. If the answer includes an improper fraction, students were taught to "decompose" that fraction to pull out any wholes that may be hiding inside. This helps to simplify the answer into a mixed number that makes more sense.
Here is a video that helps demonstrate:
We increased the rigor by introducing the same concept using mixed numbers. With adding, students learned to combine the wholes first, and then the fraction. If the answer includes an improper fraction, students were taught to "decompose" that fraction to pull out any wholes that may be hiding inside. This helps to simplify the answer into a mixed number that makes more sense.
Here is a video that helps demonstrate:
With Subtracting mixed numbers, students need to use models to help them. Students have learned to model the greater value, and then to cross out the value being subtracted.
Ex. 4 1/4 - 2 3/4 =
Students would model 4 wholes and 1/4.
Then to subtract, they would cross out 2 wholes. They then need to regroup one of the wholes into 4ths in order to be able to subtract 3/4.
Here is a video that demonstrates this process:
Ex. 4 1/4 - 2 3/4 =
Students would model 4 wholes and 1/4.
Then to subtract, they would cross out 2 wholes. They then need to regroup one of the wholes into 4ths in order to be able to subtract 3/4.
Here is a video that demonstrates this process:
Please practice these skills with your child at home as often as you can! :)
For Home Practice - We tried out using IXL.com this week and overall it went really well. After getting some feedback from students and looking at the program more closely, I would like to adjust the expectations slightly. From now on, students should log in each night to the skill assigned to them. They will stop when they either reach a score of 100, or have worked for 15 minutes - WHICHEVER comes first. If they want to do more, they can, but this is what we have discussed together in class.
**If your child prefers worksheets, please have them request those on Mondays. Thank you!
For Home Practice - We tried out using IXL.com this week and overall it went really well. After getting some feedback from students and looking at the program more closely, I would like to adjust the expectations slightly. From now on, students should log in each night to the skill assigned to them. They will stop when they either reach a score of 100, or have worked for 15 minutes - WHICHEVER comes first. If they want to do more, they can, but this is what we have discussed together in class.
**If your child prefers worksheets, please have them request those on Mondays. Thank you!