Fractions - Add 3 or More Fractions - Planning

In a Year 5 mathematics lesson, students are introduced to the concept of adding three or more fractions. The lesson aims to build on their existing knowledge of fractions, focusing on cases where two denominators are multiples of another. Key vocabulary such as 'proper fraction', 'improper fraction', 'numerator', 'denominator', and 'common denominator', among others, are essential to the lesson, and resources like worksheets and presentations are provided to support learning. The lesson starts with a recap of previous learning and a 'fluent in four' questions exercise, before moving on to the main activities which involve using bar models to visually represent and calculate the addition of fractions.

The lesson's activities are designed to encourage discussion and collaborative learning. In the first activity, students compare different methods of adding fractions, focusing on the use of bar models to find equivalent fractions with a common denominator. The subsequent activities involve solving word problems and finding missing numerators, reinforcing the concept of adding fractions with different denominators. Group work and independent learning tasks are supported by differentiated worksheets to cater to varying levels of understanding. The plenary session includes a reflection on the skills learned and a review of common misconceptions, ensuring students grasp the importance of finding a common denominator when adding fractions. The lesson concludes with a 'Give me five' self-assessment to consolidate learning, with differentiated outcomes for students working towards expected levels and those achieving greater depth.