2015-2016 Curriculum Blueprint
Grade: 4
Course: Mathematics
Topic 9 – Understand Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
Flexible Time
Line
10 days
Topic Overview
Students will use strategies such as fraction strips, number lines, and area models to add, subtract, and decompose fractions. Fraction kits and fraction tiles
should be utilized to provide students with a concrete understanding of adding and subtracting fractions.
Vertical Progression
3rd Grade:
 Students strengthen their understanding of the meaning of fractions and use various models to represent them.
 Students learn how to recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions and to express whole numbers as fractions.
th
5 Grade:
 Students will add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
 They will multiply fractions.
 They will divide fractions and whole numbers.
Learning Goal
Essential Questions
Students will use strategies to add, subtract, and decompose fractions.
How do you add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like
Topic 9 Scale
denominators?
How can fractions be added and subtracted on a number line?
Textbook Correlation
Recommended Instructional Sequence
Essential Vocabulary
*Be selective in choosing problems aligned to the standards within
Step 1: Problem-Based Learning “Solve and Share”
 compose
the topic. Lessons and problems used for instruction and
Problem-Based Learning Lesson Flow Map
 decompose
assessment should be determined through collaborative unit
Conceptual understanding is developed when mathematics is
 mixed number
planning.
Topic 9: Understand Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
Lesson 9-1: Model Addition of Fractions*
Lesson 9-2: Decompose Fractions
Lesson 9-3: Add Fractions with Like Denominators*
Lesson 9-4: Model Subtraction of Fractions*
Lesson 9-5: Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators*
Lesson 9-6: Add and Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators*
Lesson 9-7: Estimate Fractions Sums and Differences*
Lesson 9-8: Model Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers
Lesson 9-9: Add Mixed Numbers
Lesson 9-10: Subtract Mixed Numbers
Lesson 9-11: Math Practices and Problem Solving: Model with Math
*May combine (to save time)
Lessons 9-1 and 9-4
Lessons 9-3 and 9-5
Lessons 9-6 and 9-7
introduced in the context of solving a real problem in which ideas
related to the new content are embedded. Conceptual understanding
results because the process of solving a problem requires students to
connect their prior knowledge with the new concept or procedure
(Charles, R., Bay-Williams, J., et al., 2016).
Each lesson in the book begins with a Solve and Share. See the links
below for additional tasks to be used as needed:
Math Formative Assessment System (MFAS) Tasks by Standard
Illustrative Mathematics Tasks by Standard
Step 2: “Visual Learning Bridge”
Enhance student learning by connecting student thinking and solutions
from the Solve and Share to the new ideas of the lesson through the
use of the worked-out problem in the textbook.
Deconstructed Standards
MAFS.4.NF.2.3. (DOK 2) Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b.
a) Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.
b) Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify
decompositions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model. Examples: 3/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 ; 3/8 = 1/8 + 2/8 ; 2 1/8 = 1 + 1 + 1/8 = 8/8 + 8/8 + 1/8.
c) Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, e.g., by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of
operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
d) Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole and having like denominators, e.g., by using visual
fraction models and equations to represent the problem.
 Understand accumulating unit fractions (1/b) results in (a/b), where a is greater than 1.
 Recognize multiple representations of one whole using fractions with the same denominator.
 Replace mixed numbers with equivalent fractions, using visual fraction models.
 Replace improper fractions with a mixed number, using visual fraction models.
 Using fraction models, reason that addition of fractions is joining parts that are referring to the same whole.
 Using fraction models, reason that subtraction of fractions is separating parts that are referring to the same whole.
 Using visual fraction models, decompose a fraction into the sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way.
 Record decompositions of fractions as an equation and explain the equation and explain the equation using visual.
 Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
 Add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
 Add and subtract mixed numbers by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction.
 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole and having like denominators by using visual fraction
models and equations to represent the problem.
MAFS.4.OA.1.a Determine whether an equation is true or false by using comparative relational thinking. For example, without adding 60 and 24, determine
whether the equation 60 + 24 = 57 + 27 is true or false.
Math Practice Standard(s)
Link to Mathematical Practice Standards Rubric
MAFS.K12.MP.3.1 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MAFS.K12.MP.4.1 Model with mathematics.
Additional Resources & Links
Higher Order Questions & Writing Connections
Georgia Units
Link to Webb’s DOK Guide
Unit 4
*Higher order questions should be utilized to foster a deep, conceptual
 Pizza Party
understanding of the topic. Encouraging students to express their
 Sweet Fraction Bar
mathematical thinking in writing helps them solidify their learning.
(All of Georgia Unit 4 pertains to this Topic)

How do we apply our understanding of fractions in everyday life?
Engage New York Module 5
Topic D
Topic F
EngageNY Math Studio Talk: Common Core Instruction for 4.NF
This video addresses strategies for developing fraction number sense. This
segment focuses on understanding addition and subtraction of fractions. (7:45 –
10:17)
* YouTube must already be opened on your browser before clicking the link.
www.pearsonrealize.com
Home-School Connection Page
Reteach to Build Understand Pages
Florida Interim Assessment Item Bank and Test Platform
Marzano Proficiency Scales Bank
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What do the parts of a fraction tell about its numerator and
denominator?
What is the relationship between a mixed number and a fraction
greater than one?
How can we model answers to fraction problems?
How can we use fractions to help us solve problems?
How can we write equations to represent the situation when solving
word problems?
How do we determine the whole amount when given a fractional
value of the whole?
How does the number of equal pieces affect the fraction name?
What does it mean to take a fractional portion of a whole number?
Which problem solving strategies can we use to solve this problem?
What tools can be used to help us solve problems with fractions?
Math Formative Assessment System (MFAS) Tasks by Standard
CPALMS -MFAS includes tasks and rubrics that the teacher can implement with
their students.
Illustrative Mathematics Tasks by Standard
The site illustrates standards with impeccably crafted tasks, videos, lesson plans,
and curriculum modules.
Common Core Flip Books: Provides additional information and sample problems
for every standard
FSA Test Item Specifications
Spiral Review
*Consistent review of previously learned standards allows students multiple opportunities to master and build fluency with mathematical concepts and
procedures.
www.pearsonrealize.com
Daily Review 9-1 through 9-11