Adding and Subtracting Fractions Step by Step Template

This product is a template students can use when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students follow 5 explicit steps to help them successfully solve problems over this skill. First, students "stack up high" which means they write the fractions on top of each other (they can write the fractions in the space provided in Step 3). Then, students find the LCD (lowest common denominator). In the next step, students create equivalent fractions (right next to the original fractions they stacked up high, and using the newly found LCD). Next, students solve and finally, they simplify. I used this with some of my special education students who were having a very difficult time organizing their work for adding and subtracting unlike fractions. There are so many steps and it becomes so important to keep your work organized. My students had GREAT success using this template when solving such problems. I highly recommend it!
**SING THIS SONG TO HELP STUDENTS GET STARTED: "When adding or subtracting, they stack up high (clap hands and move upward for each word "stack" "up" "high", when we multiply or divide they're side by side (clap hands to the left and to the right to show them).