Planning GuideGrade 7
Download Print Version
 Font:  

Addition and Subtraction of Positive Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Strand: Number
Outcome: 5

Step 5: Follow-up on Assessment

Guiding Questions

  • What conclusions can be made from assessment information?
  • How effective have instructional approaches been?
  • What are the next steps in instruction?

A. Addressing Gaps in Learning

  • Use manipulatives of various kinds to establish a solid foundation for the meaning of fractions and equivalent fractions.
  • Review the relation between mixed numbers and improper fractions, using concrete materials, diagrams and symbols.
  • Relate adding and subtracting fractions to adding and subtracting whole numbers. The types of problems involving the addition or subtraction of whole numbers are the same for fraction problems; e.g., part-part-whole, comparison and join or separate problems. Substituting whole numbers for fractions helps students decide which operation to use in solving the problems.
  • Encourage students to estimate before calculating to ensure that their answer makes sense and also to develop number sense.
  • Use problem contexts that students can relate to and keep the fractions simple initially; i.e., use fractions with like denominators, then use unlike denominators with only one denominator needing to be changed and finally use unlike denominators with both denominators needing to be changed.
  • Relate addition to subtraction to help students see the connection.
  • Connect the concrete, pictorial and symbolic modes.
  • Provide the option for students to use manipulatives as long as needed, even on tests.
  • Encourage students to explain their thinking orally if they have difficulty explaining it in writing.

B. Reinforcing and Extending Learning

Students who have achieved or exceeded the outcomes will benefit from ongoing opportunities to apply and extend their learning. These activities should support students in developing a deeper understanding of the concept and should not progress to the outcomes in subsequent grades.

Strategies for Reinforcing and Extending Learning  Word