Oh, fractions! The ultimate point of confusion and blank stares from across the upper elementary classrooms. Fractions are just so confusing! They confuse students, teachers, parents, everyone just seems to be so lost the moment someone mentions fractions! Oh and that confusion only gets worse them the directions say ‘add and subtract fractions. Oh, good grief!
I actually like fractions, but I know that I am in the minority here. So I’m putting my love of fractions to good use! I found my favorite tips and tricks to teach adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Keep scrolling to better teach how to add and subtract fractions, without all the tears and frustration!
Tip #1: Add and Subtract Fractions Using Manipulatives
I love using manipulatives in the classroom as it really brings the math concepts back to concrete. This is a great place to start no matter what grade you teach as even the older kids need a refresher.
Pattern blocks, number lines, and visual pictures can help students see what is happening when they add and subtract fractions. Just like with whole number sense, fraction number sense needs to be built up. Manipulatives help students grasp what is happening to the numbers way before they have to find the LCM and GCF to add and subtract fractions.
I usually start with manipulatives for whole group lessons but then move on to the standard algorithm. Students can always use manipulatives to solve problems whether it is on independent practice or assessments. When I start to teach away from the manipulatives I draw as many connections as possible between the algorithm and the manipulatives. Using manipulatives to teach any type of math really breaks down when the connection between concrete and abstract isn’t strong.
To strengthen the connection, I have students solve with manipulatives and then I highlight the key pieces that will be become the algorithm. For adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, that piece is the common denominators. By showing the pieces being broken up smaller, students start to see the connection and importance. When students know the why behind the step, they are ready to try the algorithm.
Tip #2: Games for Adding and Subtracting Fractions
I love to incorporate games into my math learning centers and fractions are such an important skill to practice. So I turn fraction practice into games that engage my students!
Games like Tic Tac Toe and 4 in a Row become class favorites no matter the skill so I use these as a fun addition to math centers.
I like my math games to be self-checking so that students are practicing skills correctly (while having fun!). Both Tic Tac Toe and 4 in a Row have partner answers on them, ensuring that students check with their partner before taking a turn at the game.
If you want to know more about how to create math games that are fun, be sure to check out this blog with more information! I also have a bundle of games for adding and subtracting fractions in my TPT that you can find here!
Tip #3: Build Number Sense with Daily Fraction Worksheet Practice
While I try not to use worksheets all the time in my class, sometimes that’s what students need to practice and keep skills fresh. These ones help to build number sense so I use them as a daily warm-up for math. My fraction of the day set is a perfect way to build number sense daily and it doesn’t take up much time when students are in the routine of it. Spiraling through fraction number sense is good to build up before you start teaching how to add and subtract fractions. Once that number sense is solid, you can build off that foundation.
This is where I utilize different visuals for fractions. Number lines and rectangular models are great strategies that students can make on their own to help them solve more complex problems.
Tip #4: Fraction Math Charts for 5th Grade
I try to help my students be as independent as possible in my classroom and one of the ways I accomplish that is through anchor charts. I love making cute charts for whole group lessons but I also want students to have their own version to refer back to.
This is where my math lessons for 5th graders bundle came in handy. This bundle (or just the fraction set) has both posters to trace AND student-sized fill-in-the-blank options for student notebooks.
These charts can be referenced year-round which is especially helpful for spiral review or standardized test prep. Having the steps to solve adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators makes students be a little more self-sufficient. Also, their own charts free up that ever-precious wall space in my classroom!
Tip #5: Teaching Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers Separately
If I could go back to my first-year teacher-self, I would tell her (among loads of other things) that mixed numbers are way different than fractions. And students need to be taught mixed numbers separately. Especially when subtracting mixed numbers.
Mixed numbers throw in the idea of regrouping or borrowing and that is a skill that is tricky for students when working with whole numbers. So of course those same skills would be confusing with fractions!
I typically spend a day teaching adding mixed numbers and then a whole other day teaching subtraction. This helps students grasp the concepts individually. Then practice, practice, practice!
I also incorporate manipulatives with mixed numbers, especially when regrouping. Similar to whole numbers, the manipulatives support the algorithm but only when students understand what’s really going on.
Tip #6: Make Fractions Fun
Students will take their cue from you, teacher-friend! Fractions are no different, so depending on how you approach them can really make or break you. I tell students that fractions are my favorite part of math (hey a little white lie never hurt them 🙂 and so my students will want to try doing something that’s my favorite!
I love using Project-Based Learning, Escape Rooms, and Room Transformations to help introduce students to fractions. Fractions are SO applicable in the real world so get your creative juices flowing. Baking cookies, cutting pizzas, sharing brownies, can really get your students engaged AND see how important fractions are in the real world. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love pizza?!
Some of my favorite fun fraction resources are linked down below!
The Great Sleepover Challenge: perfect for building number sense with fractions
Breaking Up the Bakery: great for all fraction operations
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Project: I used the digital version of this one!
Adding and Subtracting Fractions Digital Escape Room: my students love this!
5th Grade Fraction Review Room Transformation: be a detective with this room transformation!
Another way I keep fractions fun is through math centers! Math stations have truly transformed my math block from frustrating to fun and I want to help you do the same! Join the 5 part video training series geared toward starting math stations in your classroom. In under a week, you can have tried-and-true rotation ideas, structures to keep students on task, and the organization know-how to run math stations smoothly. Drop your email below to get the first training video sent to your inbox.
Tip #7: Focus on Growth Mindset
This could honestly be the most applicable tip with math in general but especially with fractions. Some students will totally get adding and subtracting fractions. Other students will struggle with it. It’s important to help students know how to persevere and keep trying.
I teach growth mindset at the beginning of the school year, like probably everybody else. But, I also review growth mindset all year long. Just like with any concept, students need a spiral review to keep up the conversation around a growth mindset.
I love incorporating books into my classroom, no matter what subject I teach. My favorite growth mindset books are linked below.
Bubble Gum Brain: hands down my favorite recommendation. I make a poster about bubble gum brain verse brick brain and keep it up all year. I also have a bubble gum brain wall of fame where students can catch each other having a bubble gum brain. Students will fill in a slip of pink paper and write the name, date, and what the other student said/did that showed a bubble gum brain. My students love catching each other persevering and it serves as a reminder to have that growth mindset.
After the Fall: a cute picture book that shows how everything isn’t as it seems, and how to pick yourself back up again
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
Fish in a Tree: This is a chapter book but makes a great read-aloud for students any time of the year. The main character struggles with dyslexia but that doesn’t mean the themes don’t apply to math!
I also love these growth mindset activities that can be used year-round!
The Most Magnificent Thing Activity Pack: this is a great companion to the book!
Growth Mindset Coloring Banner: A fun and colorful way to decorate your room and remind students to persevere
Morning Meeting Activities: The perseverance pack inside this bundle is a great way to keep up a growth mindset. I use this set when I teach fractions so that students review this skill during one of the most challenging units in math.
Growth Mindset Flipbook and Bulletin Board Set: I use this resource to initially teach growth mindset at the beginning of the year.
I always make sure that we have a growth mindset lesson before we dive into fractions. I am also honest with students and preface the lessons with a reminder that fractions may be difficult but that doesn’t mean we can’t do them.
Looking for other tips on teaching how to add and subtract fractions?
These articles are a great starting tool to help you teach these challenging concepts. Remember, fractions don’t have to be scary!
2 strategies for adding and subtracting fractions – I love her visual models!
The Best Way to Teach Adding and Subtracting Fractions – Awesome anchor chart ideas to use in your classroom
Fraction Mats: Adding and Subtracting Fractions and Mixed Numbers – an awesome set of resources that would be perfect for whole group or small group lessons
Needing some help relearning fractions? No shame here! This video is super helpful in providing an adding and subtracting how to.
This video is a bit longer but provides a lot of really good examples to help you!
What are your favorite tips, tricks, and strategies to help teach how to add and subtract fractions? Anything that I missed? Be sure to leave a comment below with all your teaching fractions secrets!
[…] Not to be biased or anything, but I much prefer teaching how to multiply and divide fractions rather than my add and subtract fractions unit. There I said it. Multiplication is just my jam and so fractions + my favorite operation just make this unit one of my favorites. Is it nerdier that I have a favorite operation, or that I have multiple favorite math units? If you are looking for how I teach add and subtract fractions check out this blog post here. […]