Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 3
Add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule
I can add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule.
- Year 3
Add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule
I can add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- To add fractions with the same denominator you add the numerators using the language of unitising.
- If 2 plus 3 is equal to 5 then 2 one sevenths plus 3 one sevenths is equal to 5 one sevenths.
- If fractions have the same denominator they can be added.
Keywords
Generalisation - A generalisation is a statement or rule that applies correctly to all relevant cases.
Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.
Numerator - A numerator is the top number in a fraction. It shows how many parts we have.
Common misconception
In the addition of fractions, many children will try to add together both the numerator and denominator.
Show the children many completed examples using representations alongside the fraction notation. Encourage them to make generalisations and spot that the denominator remains the same because it is the unit.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Add fractions with the same denominator and generalise the rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Composition of non-unit fractions: addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these definitions describes the sum?
Q2.What is the missing number in this bar model?

Q3.What addition is being shown by this number line?

Q4.Each marble in a bag is $$ \frac{1}{9} $$ of the whole bag. How many marbles are there in the bag?
Q5.What is the missing fraction in this bar model?

Q6.Select the correct sum. $$ \frac{2}{7} $$ + $$ \frac{4}{7} $$ = ___
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Look at the image. What is the missing label marked with a question mark?

Q2.Look at the number line. The missing addend is ___

Q3.What addition is being represented on this number line?

Q4.What is the sum of this equation?
$$ \frac{3}{7} $$ + $$ \frac{2}{7} $$ + $$ \frac{1}{7} $$ = ___
Q5.What is the correct sum for this equation?
___ = $$ \frac{4}{20} $$ + $$ \frac{6}{20} $$+ $$ \frac{6}{20} $$
Q6.Which of the following numbers could be used to complete this inequality?
