Title: Introduction to Fractions

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Objective: - Students will understand the concept of fractions and be able to identify and represent fractions using models and symbols. - Students will be able to compare and order fractions. - Students will be able to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.

Materials: - Fraction manipulatives (e.g., fraction bars, fraction circles) - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Worksheets or handouts with fraction problems - Scissors - Glue sticks

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever shared a pizza or a cake with someone. Discuss how they divided the pizza or cake into equal parts.
   • Introduce the concept of fractions by explaining that fractions represent parts of a whole. Write the definition of a fraction on the board: “A fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole or a group.”
   • Show examples of fractions using fraction manipulatives, such as fraction bars or circles. Explain that the top number is called the numerator, and it represents the number of parts we have. The bottom number is called the denominator, and it represents the total number of equal parts.
2. Modeling Fractions (15 minutes):
   • Distribute fraction manipulatives to each student or group of students.
   • Instruct students to use the manipulatives to represent different fractions, such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc. Have them write the fractions on the whiteboard or chart paper.
   • Ask students to identify the numerator and denominator for each fraction.
3. Comparing and Ordering Fractions (15 minutes):
   • Explain that fractions can be compared and ordered based on their size.
   • Give students a set of fraction cards or hand out worksheets with fraction problems.
   • Instruct students to compare the fractions and order them from least to greatest or greatest to least. Encourage them to use the fraction manipulatives to help them visualize and compare the fractions.
4. Adding and Subtracting Fractions (20 minutes):
   • Review the concept of adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators.
   • Give students a worksheet or handout with addition and subtraction problems involving fractions with like denominators.
   • Instruct students to solve the problems using the fraction manipulatives to help them visualize the addition or subtraction process.
   • After completing the problems, have students cut out the fraction models and glue them onto a separate sheet of paper to show their work.
5. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Review the key concepts covered in the lesson, including the definition of a fraction, identifying numerators and denominators, comparing and ordering fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators.
   • Ask students if they have any questions or if there is anything they would like to review.
   • Assign homework or additional practice problems to reinforce the concepts learned in the lesson.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during the lesson. - Review students’ completed worksheets or handouts to assess their understanding of fractions, comparing and ordering fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. - Provide feedback and address any misconceptions or areas of difficulty.