Adding and subtracting fractions Spot the Mistake

The 'Spot the Mistake' activity is designed to enhance Year 6 students' skills in adding and subtracting fractions, particularly when dealing with different denominators and mixed numbers. The PowerPoint presentation includes a total of ten deliberately incorrect calculations, split evenly between five addition and five subtraction examples. Students are invited to engage with each calculation by identifying the error, articulating the nature of the mistake, and then correctly performing the calculation themselves. This interactive exercise serves as an excellent tool for teachers to assess students' conceptual understanding and to promote the use of mathematical terminology. It is versatile enough to be used at the start or end of a lesson, or to address common errors observed in students' work.

For instance, in one of the 'Spot the Mistake' slides, students are presented with a calculation involving the addition of fractions with different denominators. The error in the calculation is demonstrated, and students are tasked with spotting and explaining why the calculation is incorrect. They must then redo the calculation to arrive at the correct answer. This approach not only helps in reinforcing the correct methods for working with fractions but also encourages critical thinking, as students must analyze and correct the given mistakes. The activity is designed to be interactive and encourages discussion among students, making it an effective learning tool for mastering fraction calculations.