Adding Unlike Fractions with Maria

Frequently we know how to do something, but we are unsure how to teach it.  This is particularly true for math instruction.  We know how to solve a particular problem, but do we just show our child 'how we do it' or is there "a proper way"?  

Do we teach our kids the trick or show them what lies behind it?

If you are looking for ideas or guidance on how to help your child with a particular type of math problem, an excellent resource is the math lessons and teaching tips section on Maria Miller's Homeschool Math website.  Maria has created a large number of easy to understand lessons and videos covering most elementary school math topics.

Here is her video on adding and subtracting unlike fractions:

Maria has two math websites, Math Mammoth and HomeSchool Math.net; they are great resources that you should check out.