Adding Fractions with Related Denominators Numeracy Assessment: Year 5 supports your students in demonstrating their understanding of fraction addition through a range of strategic and real-world tasks. This resource is designed to assess students’ ability to select and apply efficient strategies for adding fractions with the same or related denominators while reinforcing number sense, equivalence and reasoning.

This assessment is ideal for both formative and summative use. It works well in whole-class instruction, targeted small groups or individual intervention. A detailed and editable Australian Curriculum-aligned rubric is included to help guide consistent and clear assessment. An answer sheet is also provided to support efficient and accurate marking.

Adding Fractions with Related Denominators Numeracy Assessment: Year 5 includes a variety of tasks that focus on conceptual understanding, strategy use and mathematical reasoning. Students begin by solving addition problems using strategies of their choice—such as converting to equivalent fractions, using visual models like number lines or bars, or mentally adding fractions with common denominators. This flexibility supports differentiated learning and allows students to demonstrate multiple approaches.

The assessment also includes error-analysis questions where students examine incorrect fraction addition and explain the mistake. This supports critical thinking, encourages discussion around misconceptions and highlights depth of understanding. The final task asks students to solve a real-world word problem by writing a number sentence and applying a chosen strategy—linking their learning to practical contexts and allowing teachers to assess mathematical communication as well as accuracy.

Tasks are scaffolded to move from visual to abstract representations, offering a clear snapshot of each student’s strengths and needs. The assessment also encourages the use of correct mathematical language and provides an opportunity to observe reasoning in action—making it ideal for collecting evidence ahead of reporting or goal-setting discussions.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Add fractions with the same or related denominators
• ✅ Convert to equivalent fractions to support addition
• ✅ Identify and explain misconceptions in fraction addition
• ✅ Solve word problems using efficient strategies and number sentences
• ✅ Communicate reasoning and strategy selection clearly

What’s Included:

• Student assessment worksheet with strategy-based and applied tasks
• Editable Australian Curriculum-aligned teacher rubric
• Answer sheet for consistent and efficient marking

Materials Needed:

• Printed assessment worksheets
• Pencils and erasers
• Fraction circles, bars or number lines (optional visual support)

How to Use:

• Begin with a class review of strategies for adding fractions, including visual aids and equivalent forms.
• Model how to correct misconceptions using sample errors on the board.
• Guide students through an example of how to write a number sentence for a word problem.
• Have students complete tasks independently using strategies of their choice.
• Use the rubric to assess fluency, reasoning and use of mathematical language.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use at the end of a fractions unit for summative assessment
• 💡 Implement in small groups for close observation of strategy use
• 💡 Add to portfolios to document reasoning and progress in fraction operations
• 💡 Use as evidence during parent-teacher conferences or report writing

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use hands-on tools like fraction tiles or bars before and during the assessment
• 💛 Encourage students to justify their choice of strategy for each problem
• 💛 Strategy Comparison: Ask students to solve the same problem two ways and reflect on efficiency
• 💛 Create Your Own: Let students write their own word problems and exchange them with peers for solving and discussion

Adding Fractions with Related Denominators Numeracy Assessment: Year 5 is a targeted and flexible tool for assessing addition of fractions. It supports deep mathematical thinking and provides valuable insights to guide your next steps in instruction.