Math Lesson: Comparing Fractions

Lesson Opening

1. Ask the students to remind you why we are doing the textbook page. Remind them that their main focus should be the Math for Mastery exam, but that if they pay attention and make their textbook the best it can be, then they will be set when were return and go back to fractions.

1. Today's skill is comparing fractions. Put two fractions on the board (1/10 and 9/10) and ask the children which is bigger. Use a diagram if necessary. Then ask them a harder one (5/6 and 9/10). When the class disagrees, ask if anyone has a solution to figure it out.

Guided Practice

1. Remind them how math is always simpler when you break it down into steps. Tell them that if they are ever taking a test and they break the problem down into steps, they will get extra credit, even if they make a mathematical mistake. Here are the steps:

1) Check and see if the denominators are equal

2) If not, Find the LCM

3) Change the denominator on both fractions

4) Change the numerator on both fractions

5) Compare

1. Go over a few examples before the children go on to their guided practice.

Independent Practice

1. Have the children complete the two problems at the bottom of the page. Stress that they should work with a group and write lightly in pencil in case they make a mistake. They should keep in mind that this is a textbook and that therefore they can't make any mistakes.

1. Go over the answers with them when they have finished. If they finish early, invite them to add color to their page. They should try and make the page as clear as possible, but also as attractive so it catches their interest when they return to it next week.

Closing

1. Have volunteers read what they wrote. Ask the students to give suggestions or compliments.