UNIT PLANNING TEMPLATE

Unit Topic or Unit Inquiry Question: Fractions and Decimals Grade level: 3/4

Unit overview:
a) Describe the unit – how have you designed it? What does it involve?
I have designed the unit by following the unit plans in the Math Makes Sense 3 and 4
textbooks. Each day I will bring the grade 3s and then the grade 4s to the carpet to teach a
new lesson. There will be some days set up for review, and catch up time. Over the six
weeks the grade 3s and 4s will get a basic understanding of fractions and decimals and at the
end of the unit there will be a unit test. I have also involved some math games for the
students to grow their math skills in a fun, engaging way.
b) Describe what students will be learning. What are your goals for the unit in your OWN
WORDS? List the 3-5 most important things that you hope students will gain, in terms of
knowledge, skills or understandings by participating in this sequence of lessons. This will
help to guide you throughout the unit.
1. Denominator and Numerator
2. Mixed and Whole Numbers
3. Naming and Writing Fractions
4. (Gr.4 only) Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Rationale: The grade 3 and 4s’ will just be finishing their shapes’ unit when I arrive for my
practicum. This unit is an introduction to fractions and decimals. For the grade fours
fractions will be a review, but decimals are a new math skill they will be learning. The grade
3s will work towards a basic understanding of how to create fractions, what they represent and
how they are used in our daily lives. The grade 4s will be reviewing mixed and whole numbers,
while learning how to add and subtract decimals.

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 STAGE 1: Desired Results – Curriculum Connections ( indicate different subject areas if this is
an interdisciplinary unit)
Big Ideas Essential Questions
Gr. 4 = Fractions and decimals are What is the difference between a numerator and
UNDERSTAND

types of numbers that can denominator?

represent quantities Can you show me the difference between a whole number
Gr. 3 = Fractions are type of and a mixed number?
number that can represent How do you write a fraction?
quantities Show me how you can add decimals?
Show me how you can subtract decimals?
Core Competencies: (focus on one or two)
Communication Thinking Personal & Social
 Connect and engage Creative Positive Personal & Social Identity
with others (to share  Novelty and  Relationships and cultural contexts
and develop ideas) value  Personal values and choices
 Acquire, interpret,  Generating ideas  Personal strengths and abilities
and present  Developing ideas Personal Awareness & Responsibility
information (includes Critical  Self-determination
DO

inquiries)  Analyze and  Self-regulation

 Collaborate to plan, critique  Well-being
carry out, and review  Question and Social Responsibility
constructions and investigate  Contributing to community and caring for the
activities  Develop and environment
 Explain/recount and  Solving problems in peaceful ways
design
reflect on  Valuing diversity
experiences and  Building relationships
accomplishments

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 Curriculum Competencies:
Gr. 4
- Use reasoning to explore and make connections
- Develop, demonstrate, and apply mathematical understanding through play, inquiry,
and problem solving
- Communicate mathematical thinking in many ways
- Reflect on mathematical thinking
Gr. 3
- Use reasoning to explore and make connections
- Develop, demonstrate, and apply mathematical understanding through play, inquiry,
and problem solving
- Visualize to explore mathematical concepts
- Communicate mathematical thinking in many ways
- Reflect on mathematical thinking
Content:
Gr. 4
- Decimals to hundredths
KNOW

- Ordering and comparing fractions

- Addition and subtraction of decimals to hundredths
Gr. 3
- Fraction concepts

STAGE 2: Assessment Plan

Summative Assessment (of Learning):
In what multiple ways will students represent their learning? Will you have a rich culminating task or activity that allows students to apply and/or
show you what they have learned? Which final products, observations, conversations offer evidence OF learning so that you can determine
whether your learning goals have been met? What will help you to communicate student learning?

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 - Unit test

Formative Assessment (for Learning):

What kind of assessment for learning opportunities can you provide to support progress towards the summative tasks? Which ONGOING/DRAFT
products, observations and conversations can guide your instruction and offer support FOR learning? ( how will you check progress along the way
and help students to improve? ( ie sharing learning intentions, develop criteria, use models, give feedback, peer and self assessment opportunities,
gallery walks, guided practice opportunities )
- Sharing learning intentions
- Giving feedback (checking textbook work)
- Textbook work
- Unit review
- Math games
- Exit slips
Stage 3: Learning Plan
Teaching/learning activity
Learning Intentions (Brief version here – use lesson plans
to flesh out each lesson)
WEEK 1 Math Makes Sense 4
GR. 4 Lesson 1 = Fractions of a Whole
I can describe the difference
between a denominator and
numerator. Math Makes Sense 3
GR. 3 Lesson 1 = Exploring Equal Parts
I can explain what equal parts
are.
GR. 4 Lesson 2 = Fraction Benchmarks

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 I can describe if a fraction is
closer to 0, ½, or 1.
GR. 3 Lesson 1 Continued
I can explain what equal parts
are.

I can use my knowledge of Fraction Games for Each Grade

fractions to play games. - Will set up stations with various games

WEEK 2
GR. 4 Lesson 3 = Fractions of a Set
I can find the fraction of each
set. Lesson 2 = Exploring Fractions of Length
GR. 3
I can explore fractions.

GR.4 Lesson 5 = Different Names of Fractions

I can use different names for
fractions.
GR. 3 Lesson 2 Continued
I can explore fractions.
I can explore games. Fraction Games for Each Grade
- Will set up stations with various games

WEEK 3 Lesson 6 = More than One

GR. 4

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 I can describe the difference
between an improper fraction
and a mixed number. Lesson 3 = Exploring Fractions of a Set
GR.3
I can explore the fraction of
eat set.
GR.4 Lesson 7 = Comparing and Ordering Fractions
I can compare and order
fractions.
GR. 3 Lesson 4 = Finding a Fraction of a Set
I can find equal fractions in a
set.
I can use my knowledge of Fractions Game for Each Grade
fractions to play games with - I will set up stations for various games
my peers.
WEEK 4 Lesson 8 = Exploring Tenths
GR.4
I can use tenth blocks to help
me model fractions. Lesson 4 Continued
GR.3
I can find equal fractions in a
set.
GR.4 Lesson 9 = Exploring Hundredths
I can use hundredth blocks to
help me model fractions.
GR.3 Lesson 5 = Naming and Writing Fractions

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 I can describe the difference
between the denominator and
numerator.
GR. 4 Lesson 10 = Comparing and Ordering Decimals
I can compare and order
decimals.
GR.3 Lesson 5 Continued
I can describe the difference
between the denominator and
numerator.
I can use my knowledge of Fraction Games for Each Grade
fractions to play games with - I will set up stations for various games
my peers.
WEEK 5 Lesson 11 = Adding Decimals
GR.4
I can use strategies to help
me add decimals. Lesson 6 = Half Way Review (Strategies Toolkit)
GR.3
I can use strategies to help
me understand fractions.
GR.4 Lesson 12 = Subtracting Decimals
I can use strategies to help
me subtract decimals.
GR.3 Fractions Worksheet

Gr.4 Fraction Games for grade 3 and Decimal Games for Grade 4s
- I will set up stations for various games

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 I can use my knowledge of
decimals to play games with
my peers.
Gr.3
I can use my knowledge of
fractions to play games with
my peers.
WEEK 6
GR. 4 Lesson 13 = Adding and Subtracting Money
I can add and subtract money.
GR.3 Lesson 7 = Mixed Numbers
I can show mixed numbers.
Unit 8 Review both grades
Unit Test both grades
Resources needed:
Math Makes Sense 3
Math Makes Sense 4
Tenths and Hundredths Blocks
Chart Paper
Math Booklets
White Boards
Markers
How will the learning be made ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL students to succeed?
(adaptations, Universal Design, Differentiated Instruction, learning supports, multimodal resources)
Learning Supports
- The two EAs in my classroom will help certain students
- There is a back table where I can meet with students who need extra help

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft
 - Do gradual release when the students leave the carpet
- Keep the students there that may need shown so more examples
Adaptations
- I will have different adaptations set up for two students
- They will have different work books the students will be working at goals regarding their
IEP
- They may join the lesson at the carpet if they would like, but if not, they will be working
on their separate math booklets with the EA
ELL Students’
They will have differentiated work depending on how much vocab the questions involve
Reflection
How did it go? How do I know?

Where to next?

VIU Principles of Teaching and Learning S18 B Ed 4 Adapted from Nanaimo/Ladysmith Draft