Grade 5 Math Lesson Plan: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Learning Objectives

• Explain why fractions need the same denominator (same-size pieces) before adding or subtracting.
• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by finding equivalent fractions.
• Add and subtract mixed numbers, including regrouping a whole.
• Estimate with benchmark fractions to check that an answer is reasonable.
• Solve word problems involving adding and subtracting fractions.

Lesson Procedure

• Read the overview and success criteria before teaching.
• Lesson 1 — Why we need a common denominator (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Lesson 2 — Subtracting and simplifying (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Lesson 3 — Mixed numbers and word problems (50 min): follow the stage table (warm-up, teach, practice, exit ticket).
• Use the matching PowerPoint, worksheet and assessment from this pack — the plan refers to their slide and part numbers.

Assessment

Exit tickets in each lesson. Worksheet Parts A–F with the answer key. Mid-unit Quiz (12 marks) after lesson 2. Unit Test (24 marks) at the end. Homework after each lesson. Performance task (rubric): "Fraction Recipe" — change a recipe and explain the fraction calculations.

Differentiation

Support: Always start with fraction strips; write the numbers only after the bars. Challenge: Add three fractions: 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/6. English language learners: Sentence frames: "I need the same denominator because ___." "___ is the same as ___."

Classroom Activity Ideas

• Fraction Strip Proof (12 minutes, Pairs): Give each pair a sum card, e.g. 1/2 + 1/4. They build both fractions with strips and line them up under a whole strip.
• Fraction War (10 minutes, Pairs): Each player turns over two cards and adds them. The bigger sum wins all four cards.
• Closer to 0, 1/2 or 1? (8 minutes, Whole class): Show a sum or difference, e.g. 7/8 + 1/10. Students walk to the sign closest to the answer — no exact calculation!

Teacher Tips

Use the phrase "same-size pieces" every lesson — it is the big idea. Let students discover the 2/6 mistake themselves with bars before teaching the rule.

What's Included

• 4-page lesson plan (PDF + editable DOCX)
• Lesson 1 — Why we need a common denominator (50 min)
• Lesson 2 — Subtracting and simplifying (50 min)
• Lesson 3 — Mixed numbers and word problems (50 min)
• Key vocabulary table, materials list and success criteria
• Differentiation (support, challenge, English language learners)
• Common misconceptions with fixes, and teacher tips

Additional Files

• Grade 5 Math Lesson Plan: Adding and Subtracting Fractions (DOCX)

Teacher Reviews