Fraction Builders: Adding and Subtracting Improper Fractions

Materials Needed: Lego bricks (or other stackable counters/fraction tiles), Whiteboard or large paper, Markers, Short worksheets with 3-5 problems each (large font, ample space), Timer (optional)

Lesson Activities:

1. Introduction: What's an Improper Fraction? (5-10 mins)

"Imagine these Lego bricks represent parts of something, like pieces of a granola bar or building blocks. Let's say 4 studs make one 'whole' bar. What if we have MORE than 4 studs? Like 5 studs? We have 5 pieces, and each whole bar is made of 4 pieces. That's 5/4! It's 'improper' because the top number (numerator) is bigger than the bottom number (denominator). It means we have more than one whole thing." Briefly show 1 whole (4 studs) and then 5/4 (5 studs).

2. Activity 1: Build It! (10 mins)

"Let's practice building! I'll call out an improper fraction, and you build it with Lego. Remember, decide how many studs make 'one whole' first (e.g., 3 studs = 1 whole, or 4 studs = 1 whole)."

• Call out fractions like: 5/4, 7/3, 6/4, 8/5.
• Help the student visualize and build each one. Provide encouragement.

3. Instruction: Adding Improper Fractions (10 mins)

"Adding improper fractions is like combining Lego piles! If we have 5/4 and we want to add 3/4, we just add the top numbers (the number of pieces). 5 pieces + 3 pieces = 8 pieces. The bottom number (the size of the whole) stays the same! So, 5/4 + 3/4 = 8/4."

• Model 5/4 + 3/4 with Lego.
• Write the problem and solution on the whiteboard, emphasizing adding only the numerators.
• Do one more example together, like 6/5 + 2/5.

4. Movement Break! (3-5 mins)

"Time for a quick energy boost! Let's do 10 jumping jacks or run a lap around the room!" (Adjust activity as preferred).

5. Activity 2: Addition Challenge (10-15 mins)

"Let's try a few on your own! Here's a sheet with a few problems. You can use the Lego to help you solve them."

• Provide worksheet 1 (3-4 addition problems, like denominators).
• Offer support if needed. Use a timer for short focus intervals (e.g., 5 minutes work, check-in) if helpful.

6. Instruction: Subtracting Improper Fractions (10 mins)

"Subtracting is like taking Lego pieces away! If we have 7/4 and we take away 2/4, we just subtract the top numbers. 7 pieces - 2 pieces = 5 pieces. The bottom number stays the same. So, 7/4 - 2/4 = 5/4."

• Model 7/4 - 2/4 with Lego.
• Write the problem and solution on the whiteboard.
• Do one more example together, like 9/6 - 4/6.

7. Activity 3: Subtraction Challenge (10 mins)

"Okay, time for a subtraction challenge! Use your Lego if it helps."

• Provide worksheet 2 (3-4 subtraction problems, like denominators).

8. Wrap-up & Check (5 mins)

"Great building today! Can you show me how to solve one more using the Lego? How about 4/3 + 3/3?" (Or a subtraction one).

Review what an improper fraction is and the rules for adding/subtracting them (add/subtract the tops, keep the bottom the same). Offer specific praise for effort and focus. "You did a fantastic job focusing on building and solving those fractions!"