Teaching fractions, step by step
Fraction work starts with what a fraction means: equivalent fractions, simplifying and comparing. Those ideas carry the rest of the topic. Adding fractions with unlike denominators, for example, is really just rewriting them as equivalent fractions first.
Answer keys show each answer in simplest form. When the unsimplified answer is different, the key shows both, as in 10/8 = 1 1/4, so you can accept either form depending on what your students have learned.
Fraction bars, number lines and area models make each operation easier to picture. Pair a few problems from each sheet with a drawing before moving to symbols only.