In this 4-day course, students will learn two methods for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to actively participate. Students will solve problems on their scratch paper as well as directly on the PowerPoint presentation. Learners are encouraged to share their work and thinking with their classroom peers. 

Class Outline 
Day One
The first day of the, “Adding and Subtracting Fractions,” five-day course will begin with a 5-minute icebreaker. Icebreakers are so important for building a supportive classroom community. The icebreaker will allow students to feel more comfortable with me as their teacher as well as learn about their peers. Following the icebreaker, students will be given a word problem with a real-life example of when it is necessary to add fractions with unlike denominators. Students will be encouraged to solve this fraction addition problem using any method they may already know. This will allow me to gain insight into students' prior knowledge. Before teaching learners how to add fractions with unlike denominators, I will review how to add fractions with common denominators. Next, students will be guided through the steps on how to add two fractions with uncommon denominators. Using their scratch piece of paper, students will solve fraction addition problems using four easy to remember steps. Learners will begin by first finding the least common multiple of the two denominators, then creating equivalent fractions with this common denominator and then adding the fractions. Students will be encouraged but not required to simplify their answers. Class participates should leave day one of the class feeling confident in their ability to calculate the sum between two fractions with unlike denominators.  

Day Two
The class will again begin again with a 5-minute icebreaker. Next, students will review the math content taught on day one. Students will practice adding two fractions with unlike denominators by finding the least common multiple and creating equivalent fractions. 
After reviewing adding fractions, students will be given a real-life example of when it is necessary to subtract fractions with unlike denominators. Students will be encouraged to solve this subtraction problem using the method taught from day one. Students will spend the remaining time practicing subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.  Learners will need to subtract two fractions by first finding the least common multiple of the two denominators, then creating equivalent fractions with this common denominator and then subtracting the fractions. Students will be encouraged but not required to simplify their answers. Class participates should leave day two of the class feeling confident in their ability to calculate the difference between two fractions with unlike denominators.  

Day Three
During the third day of the class, students will master the skill of adding fractions with unlike denominators using the Butterfly Method. The class will first begin with another quick ice-breakers. Then, students will review how to add fractions by finding the least common multiple. Next, students will be introduced to another strategy used to solve fraction addition problems with unlike denominators. Throughout day three of instruction, students will be guided through the steps of how to add two fractions using the butterfly method. Students will be encouraged but not required to simplify their answers. Class participates should leave the class feeling confident in their ability to calculate the sum between two fractions two different algorithms. 

Day Four
During the fourth day of the class, students will master the skill of subtracting fractions with unlike denominators using the Butterfly Method. Again, the class will first begin with another quick ice-breakers. Students will spend some time reviewing how to add fractions using the Butterfly Method. Once students review how to add fractions using the Butterfly Method, students will spend the majority of the class subtracting fractions using the Butterfly Method. Students will solve equations as well as word problems. Students will be encouraged to share their work and thinking with their peers. Class participates should leave the class feeling confident in their ability to calculate the difference between two fractions using this new method of algorithm. For the final 10 minutes of day four, students will practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlink denominators. The end of class will have an emphasize on solving word problems. 

Recommended For:
If your child needs a new strategy for adding or subtracting fractions with unlike dominators, this course is for him/her! This course is recommended for students who are in 4th, 5th and 6th grade. 

Prior Knowledge:
Before taking this course, students should have prior knowledge on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. The methodology of adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators will be reviewed briefly before teaching learners how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.