4.NS.3 RTI Lessons

Misconceptions and errors may result if students don’t understand the distinctions between improper fractions and mixed numbers, between numerator and denominator, or don’t understand that a fraction with a denominator of 1 represents a whole. Errors may also result if students:

• model only the whole number or only the fraction when representing a mixed number.
• use the whole number as both the numerator and the denominator when representing the whole number as a fraction.
• interpret fractions represented on a number line incorrectly.

Two Grade Levels Below

Students may be having difficulty with the skills and concepts involving quantitative reasoning and may struggle with understanding fraction concepts. Challenges with fraction concepts often relate to not understanding that fractions represent equal shares of a whole. Math terms related to the essential concepts at this level include half, third, fourth, and quarter. These students will benefit from additional instruction and practice with:

• dividing shapes into equal-sized portions.
• using a unit fraction to name an equal-sized portion of a shape.

One Grade Level Below

Students may be having difficulty with the skills and concepts involving number sense and may struggle with identifying, writing, and modeling equivalent fractions, including those that are greater than or equal to one whole. Challenges with equivalent fractions often relate to not understanding the meaning of fractions or how to model counting and identifying fractional parts. These students will benefit from additional instruction and practice with:

• representing fractions on a number line.
• representing fractions using a variety of fraction models
• comparing fractions having the same numerators or same denominators
• reviewing the terms numerator, denominator, equivalent, and unit fraction.

Review the questions students missed on the assessment. This will help you find the misconceptions they have and specifics on their weaknesses, which may help guide your RTI teaching. The video below will show you how to find their test results and access the test questions.

These are the recommended lessons, in order, to build these students from their current level toward grade level. Use your professional judgement in choosing which pieces to use and the appropriate pace for the students in your group.

Talk to a member of the RTI Math Leadership Team:

• Lori Dickey
• Rachel Porter
• Diana Spence
• Matt Taylor
• Whitney Tharp
• Katie Wilson