Full Year of 5th Grade Mastery Method Math: Part 3 Of 4

Part 3:
*Note: If your student has not taken (or is not signed up for) Parts 1 and 2 of this series, please contact me first for placement advice.

The third session (9 weeks) of this engaging year-long mastery method course will focus on adding and subtracting mixed numbers, including unlike denominators and regrouping, and dividing fractions through real world problem solving and games.

This session is part of a larger series titled, Full Year of 5th Grade Mastery Method Math. Taken as a whole, this will offer a full year's worth of math at the general 5th grade level--focusing on all aspects of and operations with fractions, as well as basic Pre-Algebra concepts (solving for the unknown) and Geometry (area and circumference of circles) and an introduction to decimals and percents. This is a Mastery approach to math--each concept will be demonstrated, explained and practiced in a meaningful, in-depth way to achieve full understanding before moving on and connecting to the next topic. This approach is ideal both for students who love math and want to take a deep dive into each concept, as well as anxious math learners who get easily overwhelmed by jumping quickly between concepts and prefer to take their time to fully learn and understand each concept. In both cases, the mastery method can build confidence, create a positive math identity and set students on a trajectory of math success. Because of the small size of this class, I will be able to give each student the individual attention needed to ensure mastery. This course is geared towards the 5th grade student, but because the mastery method builds on previously internalized concepts and skills, specific age or assigned grade level is not as important as the prerequisite foundations of mathematical understanding. 

**Specifically for this class, students should come with a solid number sense for whole numbers and performing basic operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) on single and multi-digit numbers. They should have a general understanding of fractions and be able to add, subtract, compare and find equivalent fractions (covered in Part 1) and find common factors, simplify fractions, and convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers (covered in Part 2). If you have questions about your learner’s placement level, please contact me. 

In this third session, we will begin with a review of mixed numbers using real world examples. We will expand our knowledge of mixed numbers by learning how to add and subtract mixed numbers both with and without regrouping. We will explore a second strategy for subtracting mixed numbers (the same difference theorem) and students will be able to choose the strategy they prefer. We will also review how to find common denominators in order to be able to add and subtract mixed numbers with both like and unlike denominators. Finally, we will explore reciprocals and review that strategy for dividing fractions before assessing our progress and reviewing as necessary. Each week we will cover one topic over three days, following this pattern: 1) visual, interactive introduction using real world connections; 2) guided, group and individual practice; 3) review work, including previously mastered concepts such as multi-digit multiplication or finding perimeter and area,  so that understanding stays fresh and further connections can be made. (See below for the full weekly outline of topics).

I want my students to feel fully engaged in the learning process--to find meaning, confidence (and yes, even joy!) in mathematical problem solving. To make math fun and engaging, I will be presenting lessons through interactive slides, which will include clear visual representations, virtual manipulatives, and connections to math in the real world. Additionally, I will be using applications such as Nearpod (nearpod.com) to create further opportunities for students to engage with the material and with one another. Activities will include collaborative idea boards, typed or drawn responses, polls, matching games, quizzes and embedded games. These activities provide not only engagement and fun for students, but also give me as the teacher the opportunity for ongoing, informal assessment. Furthermore, the ability for me to share student answers anonymously can help those students who feel uncomfortable or anxious answering questions verbally.  

In order to better personalize instruction and keep track of student mastery, I will also be utilizing Google Classroom. This will allow me to post assignments, interactive slides, quizzes, additional resources and homework. Students will also be able to turn their homework in through Google classroom so that I can correct and return it to them.
*For students needing additional support in reaching mastery of a topic, I will be offering tutoring sessions each week, available by the ½ hour.

Week 1 : Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Day 1: Review of Mixed Numbers, Interactive introduction to adding and subtracting mixed numbers using real world examples
Day 2: Practice adding and subtracting mixed numbers
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Finding volume of a cube

Week 2 : Adding Mixed Numbers with Regrouping
Day 1: Interactive introduction to regrouping with mixed numbers using real world examples
Day 2: Practicing adding mixed numbers with regrouping
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Finding volume of a rectangular solid

Week 3: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Regrouping
Day 1: Interactive introduction to subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping using real world examples
Day 2: Practice subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Area and converting between feet and yards

Week 4:  More Subtracting Mixed Numbers (Same Difference Theorem)
Day 1: Interactive visual introduction to second strategy for subtracting mixed numbers
Day 2: Practice subtracting mixed numbers with preferred strategy
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Liquid measurement (pints and quarts)

Week 5: Adding Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators
Day 1: Review of finding common denominator with real world examples
Day 2: Practice adding mixed numbers with different denominators
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Mental Math

Week 6: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators
Day 1: Subtracting mixed numbers in real world situations
Day 2: Practice subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Liquid measurement (quarts and gallons)

Week 7: Dividing Fractions Using Reciprocals 
Day 1: Interactive visual representation of multiplying by reciprocal (Always equals 1)
Day 2: Practice dividing fractions by multiplying by reciprocals
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Mass measurement (ounces and pounds)

Week 8: Review Week: Making connections
Day 1: How are division and fractions related? Multiplication and division? Addition and Subtraction?
Day 2: Why are fractions and division important in the real world? 
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Mixed review as needed

Week 9: Review Week
Day 1: Progress Assessment
Day 2: Review as needed
Day 3: Review Work, Word Problems, and Games: Games to review as needed