Addition and subtraction within 10 - Break apart numbers - Planning

In Year 1, during the fourth week of Autumn term, the focus is on subtraction within 10, with a particular emphasis on breaking apart numbers. The lesson begins with a starter activity that recaps the use of the subtraction symbol and reinforces children's understanding of finding parts of a number. The class teaching input introduces the concept of partitioning numbers into two parts, using practical and visual aids such as cubes, counters, and part-whole models. The children are then asked to apply this knowledge independently, with differentiated worksheets that help them visualize and partition numbers effectively. For example, they might be shown 6 toy cars, with a mix of red and blue, and asked to model the whole and its parts using a part-whole diagram, enhancing their grasp of subtraction as separating a whole into parts.

Throughout the lesson, children engage in partner work and group discussions, where they articulate their understanding and reasoning. This collaborative approach is reinforced with activities that require them to think creatively and systematically about subtraction stories, translating these into part-whole models and number sentences. Key questions guide them to identify wholes and parts, and to explore different ways of partitioning a number. A plenary session addresses common misconceptions, particularly the non-commutative nature of subtraction, and encourages children to correctly interpret and construct number sentences. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where children evaluate what they have learned, the skills they have used, and the key concepts they will remember. Differentiated sheets cater to varying levels of proficiency, from working towards expected standards to achieving greater depth, ensuring that each child is both supported and challenged in their learning journey.