Weight and volume - Introducing capacity and volume - Starter

In a Year 1 mathematics lesson taking place during Spring Term's Week 11, Day 1, students are introduced to the concepts of weight and volume through a variety of engaging activities. The lesson begins with a 'Fluent in Four' revision exercise, designed to sharpen mental arithmetic skills. Students are asked to solve simple equations, such as finding half of 12 and then adding 6, and adding together single-digit numbers like 9 and 7. This starter activity not only warms up their mathematical thinking but also consolidates their understanding of basic addition.

As part of the lesson's practical application, the children are asked to determine if there are enough doughnuts for everyone, encouraging them to think about quantities and sharing. They also practice comparing and ordering groups by size, specifically being tasked with arranging groups from the greatest to the least. Additionally, the students explore the concept of mass by questioning the weight of an apple, which serves as an introduction to measuring and comparing weights. Through these activities, the children begin to familiarise themselves with the foundational aspects of capacity, volume, and mass in a way that is accessible and relevant to their everyday experiences.