Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Ø  Students in grade two often overgeneralize what they know about whole – number computation and apply this knowledge to fractions.  They treat each digit in a fraction as a whole number and add them separately. They are likely to add the numerators together and the denominators together.  So, when adding 3/8 + 2/8, they get 5/16.

 

Ideas for Instruction

·       Teachers need to redirect students focus from memorizing procedures to developing conceptual foundation prior to building skills.

·       They need to engage students in activities by which they count by fractions.

·       Use manipulatives, such as pattern blocks.   You can have the yellow hexagon represent one whole, and the trapezoid as one-half of this whole.

·       Use fraction strips to count by halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and twelfths.

·       Use the number line to represent fractions.

·       Reinforce adding and subtracting fractions with story problems.



Home

Counting with Word Numbers

Thinking Addition means "Join Together" and Subtraction means "Take Away"

Renaming and Regrouping when Adding and Subtracting Two - Digit Numbers

Misapplying Addition and Subtraction Strategies to Multiplication and Division

Multiplying Two - Digit Factors by Two - Digit Factor

Understanding the Division Algorithm

Understanding Fractions

Representing, Ordering and Adding/ Subtracting Decimals