Mixed Number Leap

Vertical Addition & Regrouping Strategy

4th Grade Math

45 Minutes

Add mixed numbers & regroup improper sums

Lesson Schedule

5 MIN

Improper Inspection

Review: What makes a fraction "improper"? Students identify and circle improper fractions on the board or warmup slide.

5 MIN

Vertical Vision (Video)

Adding Mixed Numbers Song | YouTube

Focus: The vertical "phone screen" layout. Watch how they "carry the one" just like in whole number addition.

15 MIN

Vertical Jump Activity

Students solve 6 problems using the grid paper worksheet. Emphasize the rule: "If sum > 1, carry the one."

10 MIN

Regrouping Race

Team Challenge: Correct the "messy" mixed numbers. Turn improper fractions like \(3\frac{5}{4}\) into proper mixed numbers (\(4\frac{1}{4}\)).

5 MIN

Closing Reflection

Is it easier to draw pictures or use the numbers? Why? Discuss the efficiency of the vertical algorithm.

Coach's Tips

• Watch for students adding the denominators! Remind them: "The size of the pieces (denominator) stays the same."
• The "Carry Box" is key. Use the worksheet grid to show exactly where the 1 goes.
• Decomposition: If kids get stuck on regrouping, have them decompose the improper fraction (e.g., \(4/3 = 3/3 + 1/3\)).

Vocabulary

Improper Fraction Mixed Number Regrouping Unit Fraction

Video Pause Points

0:29 - Estimation

"Will they have more than 3 bags? More than 4? Why?"

0:48 - The Shift

"We had 6/4. Why did the video change that to 1 and 2/4?"

1:46 - Solo Check

Have students solve the trail mix problem on boards first.

2:50 - Decompose

Define 'decompose'. How is it like taking apart Legos?

ANSWER KEY

Teacher Reference Only

Worksheet: Vertical Leap

Problem 1 (Orchard): \(2\frac{3}{4} + 1\frac{3}{4} = 3\frac{6}{4} = 4\frac{2}{4} \text{ (or } 4\frac{1}{2})\)
Problem 2 (Trail Mix): \(2\frac{2}{3} + 1\frac{2}{3} = 3\frac{4}{3} = 4\frac{1}{3}\)
Leap 1: \(5\frac{4}{6} + 2\frac{3}{6} = 7\frac{7}{6} = 8\frac{1}{6}\)
Leap 2: \(1\frac{7}{10} + 3\frac{4}{10} = 4\frac{11}{10} = 5\frac{1}{10}\)
Leap 3: \(4\frac{5}{8} + 1\frac{6}{8} = 5\frac{11}{8} = 6\frac{3}{8}\)
Leap 4: \(6\frac{2}{5} + 2\frac{4}{5} = 8\frac{6}{5} = 9\frac{1}{5}\)

Regrouping Race

\(1\frac{5}{4} \rightarrow 2\frac{1}{4}\)

\(3\frac{6}{5} \rightarrow 4\frac{1}{5}\)

\(2\frac{3}{2} \rightarrow 3\frac{1}{2}\)

\(7\frac{10}{8} \rightarrow 8\frac{2}{8}\)

\(5\frac{11}{7} \rightarrow 6\frac{4}{7}\)

\(10\frac{4}{3} \rightarrow 11\frac{1}{3}\)

Mixed Number Leap

Coachs Playbook Teacher Guide

Leap Log Slides

Vertical Leap Worksheet

Hurdle Talk Discussion Cards

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