• Small whiteboards or laminated poster board (one per group)
• Dry erase markers (multiple colors per group)
• Erasers or tissues
• Fraction problem cards at different levels
• Fraction model templates (number lines, area models)
• Solution checking guide
• Process recording sheet for final answers
• Document camera for sharing solutions

Create sets of fraction operation problems at varying levels of difficulty (addition, subtraction, mixed numbers). Prepare whiteboard surfaces for each small group – either commercial whiteboards or laminated poster board. Develop a presentation format for groups to share their solutions. Create a process recording sheet for students to track final answers.

1. Introduction to tabletop whiteboarding (5 minutes):
2. Explain the collaborative problem-solving process
3. Set expectations: everyone participates, all work is shown, process is as important as answer
4. Demonstrate how to organize the whiteboard space to show thinking
5. Establish norms for group work and marker sharing
2. Fraction concept review (8-10 minutes):
3. Quick review of fraction operations to be practiced
4. Demonstrate strategies for solving fraction problems:
5. Finding common denominators
6. Using visual models to represent operations
7. Simplifying answers
8. Model solving one problem using the whiteboard format
3. Group formation and roles (3-5 minutes):
4. Arrange students in groups of 3-4
5. Assign or have groups select roles:
6. Process Manager: guides group through steps
7. Recorder: writes on whiteboard
8. Strategy Suggester: proposes approaches
9. Presenter: explains to class
10. Roles can rotate with each new problem
4. First problem set (10-12 minutes):
5. Distribute first level fraction problem to each group
6. Groups work collaboratively on whiteboards:
7. Write the problem at the top
8. Show all steps of the solution process
9. Use visual models to explain thinking
10. Circle final answer
11. Teacher circulates, observing group dynamics and mathematical thinking
5. Quick presentations (5-7 minutes):
6. Select 2-3 groups to briefly present their solutions
7. Use document camera to display whiteboards
8. Presenters explain process and strategies used
9. Class asks clarifying questions
6. Second problem set (10-12 minutes):
7. Distribute more challenging fraction problems
8. Groups repeat whiteboard solving process
9. Encourage use of multiple strategies or representations
10. Take photo of completed work before erasing
7. Gallery walk (8 minutes):
8. Groups display final whiteboards around room
9. Students tour solutions with recording sheets
10. Note different strategies and approaches
11. Identify especially clear explanations or efficient methods
8. Reflection: Groups discuss what strategies worked best and how the visual whiteboard format helped their thinking.

Provide tiered problem sets so groups work at appropriate challenge levels. For struggling groups, include fraction model templates or hints. For advanced groups, add word problems or fractions with unlike denominators. For English learners, provide visual models and encourage drawing to demonstrate understanding.

Observe group participation patterns and note which students take leadership roles. Evaluate whiteboards for mathematical accuracy, clear process steps, and appropriate models. Listen to presentations for evidence of conceptual understanding beyond procedural knowledge.