Length and height - Problem solving with lengths - Planning

In a Year 2 mathematics session focused on measurement, specifically length and height, students engage in problem-solving activities. The lesson plan outlines a structured approach beginning with a small step starter to recap on previous learning. The class then moves on to the main teaching input, where key vocabulary such as 'length', 'problem solving', 'total', 'represent', 'bar model', 'vertical', 'horizontal', and 'difference' are introduced and discussed to ensure understanding and correct any misconceptions. Pupils are encouraged to engage in paired talk to explore a slide of coloured blocks, prompting them to notice patterns and perform calculations based on their observations. This collaborative discussion aims to deepen their comprehension and ability to articulate their mathematical thinking.

Practical activities are central to the lesson, with children using counters, whiteboards, and pens to physically represent problems. They are shown how to use bar models to visualise and solve length-related questions, such as determining the height of a building by adding the given lengths. The lesson emphasises understanding the significance of vertical and horizontal bar models and how they can be used to represent and solve problems. To conclude, a plenary session allows for reflection on what was learned and the skills used, with a focus on using bar models for problem-solving. Differentiated worksheets provide varying levels of complexity, from 'Working Towards' with visual aids for simpler problems, to 'Expected' with a variety of lengths, and up to 'Greater Depth' for more challenging problems, ensuring that all students are catered for according to their individual learning needs.