Fractions: Addition

Material: same as before.

Presentation:

1. Take out the eighths inset, ask child: "What is this?" Child: "It is the family of the eighths."
Take out two pieces and place them together, then take out three pieces and place them together
(2/8 plus 3/8).

"Now let’s add them together." Place all the pieces together and count them. "How many do we
have?" Child: "Five." "We write it this way:

2. Take out fifths insets. "What is this?" Child: "The family of the tenths." "We start with 4/10’s
(place four pieces together) and if we add 5/10’s (place five pieces with the four pieces) let’s see
what we get." Count the pieces and place them all together: "We get nine tenths." Write it down:
4/10 +5/10 = 9/10. You can also use a chalkboard and draw the inset pieces like this (using the
fourths as an example):

3. Do the same but this time with 4/10’s and 6/10’s to make one whole. Write it like this: 4/10 +
6/10 = 10/10 = 1/1. Show that 10/10 equals one whole by bringing out the whole inset and
superimposing it on top of the tenths.

4. When the child really understands the concept of adding fractions, make cards with problems
on them for simple addition of fractions.

5. Allow the child to draw and make their own fraction insets.
Direct Aim: To give the child experience with addition of fractions after they have learned
addition with the Golden Beads.

Age: 5 and up.