Claflin University School of

Education
EDUC 421: Teaching Math to Children
Reflective Lesson Plan Model
Name: Jordan Canty

Date: 5/13/15

PART I: PLANNING
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Title of Lesson
Original Lesson Plan
Source
Subject Area (s)
Grade Level
Curriculum Standards

Mathematics
5th grade
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by replacing
given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to
produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like
denominators.
For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d
= (ad + bc)/bd.)
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Description and Background

Information

Anticipatory Set: Ask students if they are familiar with how

to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. By
doing this youre accessing their prior knowledge.
Inform them that we will be discussing how to go about
transforming fractions so that one could add and subtract
them appropriately
Present Power Point
Teach them the procedure on how to work with fractions
with unlike denominators
Give an example of an addition and subtraction problem in
which one must change the denominators for the fractions
in order to solve the problem. Solve the problem to show
them how to go about doing it.
Independent Practice: Display problems on the
Promethean board for the students to solve on their own.
After all students are finished, review the problems as a

At the end of the lesson students will be able to state the

procedure of how to go about adding or subtracting
fractions with unlike denominators.

Students will also be able to describe when someone

should use this procedure versus when they dont need to.

As part of the lesson I will have the students paired up in

groups. So for those students who seem to have mastered
the content I will have them working with the low
performing students to assist them with the material
taught. Somethings students understand better when
explained to by their peers.
For my ELL students I would have more visual aid to better
help them understand. Depending on how many ELL
students in the class I may include their native language
into my presentation. For example if some of my students
speak Spanish as their first language, I may include some
Spanish translation in the lesson.

Lesson Objectives

Varying Objectives for

Individuals Needs
-

Statement of Purpose

Materials and Resources

class.
Group the students into 2 groups and have them play
Jeopardy: Fractions with Unlike Denominators Version).
Students will work together to correctly answer all
questions. The winning group will receive a prize
After the game is completed the instructor will have the
students recall information that they learned during the
lesson. Also an assessment will be given to the students
regarding the lesson that will be completed for homework.

The purpose of teaching this lesson is to inform students

of various strategies when working with fractions with
unlike denominators.

Teacher materials- Smart Board, PowerPoint presentation on

editing marks, Jeopardy Fractions with Unlike Denominators
version game
Student materials- notebook paper, and pencil,

Anticipatory Set

For my anticipatory set I will ask a series of questions regarding

fractions with unlike denominators. Considering that this lesson
serves as a review the students should be able to recall the
information learned previously. Such as: What does fractions
with unlike denominators mean? Do you know how to add or
subtract fractions with different denominators? and give me an
example of two fractions with unlike denominators. If time
permits I will write down the responses from the class, so they

can visually see what they will be learning about that day.

Part II: IMPLEMENTATION

Pre-assessment

Access prior knowledge by asking questions related to the

content taught
Displaying the Common Core Standard as well as the
description

Teacher Modeling or
Demonstration

For the guided and independent practice the instructor will

either give an example, or solve one of the questions and
explain to the students how they retrieved that answer.
This way students can get a demonstration on how to find
the solution.

Guided Practice

Guided practice is the game Jeopardy. All students will

work together in groups to find the correct answer to the
given problem. If they have any questions or concerns
they are free to ask their group members, or raise their
hand and ask the instructor.

Checking for Understanding

What does ________mean?

Are _______ and ________ fractions with unlike
denominators?
What is the procedure when working with fractions with
different denominators?
Solve _______________________.

For the independent practice students, sample problems

will be shown on the PowerPoint and students will
independently find the solution based on the procedure
taught to them previously. They will be given notebook
paper to write out the sample problems as well as show
their work.

Closure

I will conclude my lesson by reviewing the key topics of the

lesson and handing out the assessment

Assessment
(attach to lesson plan)

A teacher made assessment

Students can do independent research at home

Independent Practice

Extension Activities

Technology

Connection Across the

Curriculum

Students can go online and practice solving for fractions

with different denominators via math games
Students may also create notecards for each step in the
procedure to better recall them.

Computer
Smart Board
PowerPoint Presentation
Jeopardy Game Template

Music: Have the students create a rap or song to help them

memorize the steps when dealing with fractions with unlike
denominators.

Health: Students can discuss the purpose of fractions, not

only in math but in health as well. By discussing the
makeup of the human body and the fraction (percentage) of
our genetic makeup.

Physical Education: Have student play a physical game in

which the students advance to a target every time they
correctly solve a problem dealing with two unlike
denominators.

PART III: REFLECTION

Strengths

Weaknesses

Suggestions for
Improvement

1. Student engagement was great

2. Incorporated Technology and a fun activity into the lesson
3. Asked questions related to the content.
4. Kept close proximity to students to monitor their work.
1. Time management couldve been better during the entire
presentation.
2. Dont call on the same people to answer questions.
3. Improve classroom management skills by using strategies
to quiet down the students.
4. Have the students work more cooperatively during the
guided practice activity.

When doing this lesson again I would have a better attention

grabber, such as a video or song related to this content. I would
also go over more sample problems, to ensure that the student
fully understands the concept; as well as organize the guided
practice activity a little bit better.

Revised 6-2013
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