6

th
Grade Guided Math- Sample Lesson Plan
I co-teach a 27 student math class with one of our Special Education teachers. We have an on
grade level group (12 students with IEPs and others who struggle with attention). With such an
active, high needs group, we have found teaching lessons using a Guided Math approach works
best. Students are able to rotate to teacher stations, work independently, practice in pairs, or
utilize technology. Student groups are flexible and change from concept to concept. In order to
best meet the needs of our students and plan together, we create lesson plans on Google Docs
to share and organize our thoughts.

Below you will find a sample plan:

Date
Tuesday, 11/19/13 (stations continue Wednesday 11/20)
Standards
and
Objectives
6.4 Represent and model multiplication and division of fractions (PRS 1)
Entrance
focus
Anchor Chart- Multiplying Fractions using Pictures
-Start with 2 x 3 array





2x3 =6

Explain to students that multiplying fractions is similar to multiplying
whole numbers. We start with an array using the denominators of the
fractions.

Add in x to show how the number of blocks matches the
denominators. Encourage students the importance of writing the fractions
on the top and side. It will help to limit confusion with shading.

The numerator shows what is shaded (1 row and 2 columns). Shade one
column of the two and 2 rows of the 3.



3
2








Ask students what they notice about the picture. How many boxes are
shaded by both colors? Explain that the double shaded area is the answer.
2 out of the 6 are shaded.

*Students have also learned the algorithm for multiplying fractions.
However, they need to be able to explain conceptually why it works using
pictures. Conceptually understanding needs to pair with algorithm
application.
Guided and
Independent
groups
Group 1 (Red) Mrs. Jackson for entire math block
Christian E., Anthony P., Anthony F., Dimas, & Krisper
(This group will work on introduction of multiplication of fractions, using
pictures, with denominators less than 10)
Group 2 (Blue) Jon, Inho, Cecilia, Keisha,
Group 3 (Green) Mikayla, Colleen, Marriah, Belinda, Brandon, Cameron
Group 4 (Yellow) Dillon, Jason, Maddi K, Joey, Steven Jordan,
Group 5 (Orange) Savannah, Laura, Esther, Christian R, Luis, Anthony Paz

Station #:
1-Copy Anchor Chart- FINISH GCF/LCM and Word Problems (If you have
extra time, continue to play the simplifying or Mixed/Improper Game)-
Partner
Students will copy the anchor chart created during the focus lesson into
their math notebooks. After, they will finish GCF/LCM word problems. The
sheet has students using critical thinking skills to find the LCM or GCF in a
more real world context.

Early Finishers can go to the game station and review Simplifying Fractions
or Mixed/Improper Fractions game with a partner. Using a game board
and dice, students will roll and select a card. For simplifying, simplify the
fraction. For mixed or improper, turn one into the other. If correct, move
forward on board.

1/2
2/3

2- Ms. Dussinger- Multiplying Fractions with Pictures- Bring Notebook
and Pencil

Students will practice multiplying fractions using pictures as introduced in
the focus lesson. Students will be given a pre-made sheet with 3 practice
problems. With guidance, they will practice showing how the overlap of
fractions creates the answer to the multiplication problem. Explain that
this is because we are multiply a part of a whole by a part of a whole
therefore creating an even smaller piece. For example, x 2/3 is
2/6think OF 2/3 is 1/3 (equivalent to 2/6). If you only have 2 of
something half of 2 is 1. In the case of 2/3, half would be 1/3.


3- Multiplication Practice with Pictures (draw the lines and shade)-
Partner
Using a worksheet where fraction arrays have already been created,
students will work in pairs to shade and find the products. This station is
scaffolded to help students practice by already having the arrays in place.
All students need to do is shade. They will work in pairs and utilize math
talk to help increase understanding and support each other.

4- Multiplying Fractions with Versatiles- Independent
Students are familiar with Versatiles and will apply their understanding to
the given worksheet. On this sheet, students are multiplying fractions
(using conceptual pictures or the algorithm) to multiply two given
fractions together. On this sheet, they are also practicing simplifying as all
the answers are in simplest form. They will check work independently
with Versatiles.

5. Mrs. Jackson-Multiplying Fractions with Pictures-Bring Notebook and
Pencil (Same as Ms. Dussingers station just for the entire class period
with more specific, guided support.)













Closing
mini
Assessment
(How do I know I
learned what I was
supposed to
learn?)

Exit ticket! Draw the solution for x .






x = 3/8




Reflection:
This was a very successful unit in terms of engagement and student success. We were able to support
them in a variety of ways by utilizing numbers, pictures, and words to teach and in turn have students
explain their thinking. Fractions are a huge concept during 6
th
grade and helping the students to explain
their thinking in different contexts helped increase that confidence for future.
The level of math talk was excellent as well. With stations there is an expectation set that independent
and group work is completed on task with limited teacher support. However, that is not always the case
as non-math chatter can be heard. As it was early in the year, we continued to model and review
appropriate math-talk language. This fraction unit provided students with a means to communicate
and explain their thinking effectively making math talk and critical thinking a constant across all groups
and stations.
If taught again, I would like to start with the pictures before the algorithm. While the pictures are tricky,
the understanding that comes with mastering them is so valuable. Students are able to really explain
and understand how the multiplication of fractions works. Additionally, later word problems become
easier to understand and solve when pictures can be created.
3/4
1/2