Equivalent Fractions & Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

I'm back with some new anchor charts today!  We're moving right along with our fractions unit!  Here's an anchor chart that I made for adding fractions with unlike denominators.  This takes the students step-by-step through using a model to represent the addition of fractions with unlike denominators.

The anchor chart below shows how to create equivalent fractions using both a picture model and with multiplication.  Some students connect more to the visual model and some will use the multiplication only.  This fits multiple types of learners very well.

I hope these anchor charts are helpful for you as you're teaching fractions!

Area Model Anchor Chart

I love anchor charts!  I try to make them for most of my concepts.  Right now, as we get ready to head into a new unit, I'm considering having my students go through a competition to make the anchor charts for me.  The best anchor chart (visually and descriptively) will be put up in the room for the unit.  I haven't tried it yet but I might as we start our fractions unit.  :)

Anyway, here's an anchor chart that I have up right now for area model multiplication.  Some of my students actually solve multiplication exclusively using this model.

Mental Division Strategies Anchor Chart

Here's an anchor chart that I recently posted for mental division strategies. This chart helps students think of ways to estimate and decompose to create easier problems.

I teach using the EngageNY curriculum for 5th grade so this poster correlates directly to what's taught there but it can be used for any classroom and curriculum. 

The T-Charts on the side help students pick correct estimations and help students divide correctly but they often forget their basic facts.