Place value - Comparing numbers - Starter

The lesson plan for Year 2 students in their autumn term focuses on developing their understanding of place value through comparing numbers. The session starts with a 'Fluent in Four' revision activity to warm up their numerical skills. Students are tasked with comparing different objects by using comparison symbols: greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=). This exercise helps reinforce the concept of relative values of numbers and their symbols. Additionally, the children are asked to order groups of objects from the smallest to the greatest, with '1' indicating the smallest group, further enhancing their grasp of numerical order.

As part of the lesson's activities, students engage in practical calculations to solidify their arithmetic skills. They are prompted to solve basic subtraction problems, such as '17 – 4', and to identify the results of these calculations. The lesson also includes a visual component where students determine which shapes represent quarters, aiding their understanding of fractions in a tangible way. Furthermore, they are given addition problems like '13 added to ____ equals 19', which helps them to practice their skills in finding missing numbers. These exercises not only improve the children's arithmetic but also their problem-solving abilities and understanding of mathematical concepts relevant to their year group.