Operations with Fractions and Upcoming Absence

We are well into our work in operations with fractions.  We have spent our time since the holidays adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers.  The big conceptual understanding is that students need to be working with "same size pieces".  For example, a student is adding 1/2 + 1/4.  They need to be able to write an equivalent expression using common denominators or "same size pieces" to figure out that the answer is 3/4.  Students must be able to rename 1/2 as 2/4.  We extended this understanding to adding fractions with multiples in the denominator such as 3/4 + 5/8.    Most students have now moved to using common multiples to solve problems where the denominators are not multiples of one another such as 7/8 + 5/6.  We also have worked with subtraction.  Students are using two strategies.  You might notice on homework that some students add up and others take away while still looking for common denominators.  In the problem 1 1/4 - 1/2 some students may think of it as "what number added to 1/2 is equal to 1 1/4?".  Other students will use the more traditional thinking of "taking away" 1/2 from 1 1/4.  Last week we began multiplication of fractions by a whole number.  More about multiplication and division later.  You will continue to see homework asking students to practice what they have learned with fractions.  You can help your student by asking them to prove their thinking to you.

I also wanted to inform you of my absence this week.  Last January when I was in another job situation, my family planned a trip this week.  I will be out the next 4 1/2 days.  I am fortunate that our class will have the same substitute teacher as they had for Mrs. Houston since Alex returns Monday.  I was able to meet with my substitute on Friday to review my plans.  In addition, Kathryn Delay, our math interventionist, will be assisting in teaching Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  On Thursday, students will be reviewing their work with adding and subtracting fractions.  Friday will be the unit assessment.  I will not be reachable by email during this week.  There will be homework both Monday and Wednesday.