Family Letter

Dear Families,

In the fourth unit, students will build upon what they learned about equivalent fractions in third grade. Last year, students explored equivalent fractions mainly with visual models such as drawings and number lines. This year, students will begin to multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

Students will discover how to rename fractions in their simplest form or lowest terms. (Be careful not to use the term “reduce” a fraction as the fraction is not getting smaller, but is rather an equivalent fraction in lowest terms.) Students will also compare and order fractions using several strategies including changing fractions to have a common denominator or a common numerator, using a visual model such as a number line or picture, or comparing fractions to a benchmark fraction such as 1 2 . In upcoming units, students will perform computation with fractions and learn more about decimals.

Sincerely,

Grade 4 Team

I can identify and generate equivalent fractions in a variety of ways by using models such as number lines or pictures.

I can compare fractions using a variety of strategies including same numerator, same denominator, benchmark, number lines, model/ pictures

How do I identify and generate fractions that are equivalent?

What are strategies I can use to compare fractions?