Place value - Roman Numerals - Planning

In the fourth week of the Autumn term's place value segment, Year 4 students delve into the ancient numerical system of Roman Numerals, extending their understanding up to the value of 100. This lesson serves as an advancement from Year 3, where students first encountered Roman Numerals, possibly on clock faces. The class begins with a starter where students recap their previous knowledge and engage in partner discussions to recall and identify Roman Numerals they are already familiar with. A 100 grid and lolly sticks are utilised as practical resources to aid in recognising patterns and understanding the construction of these numerals. The presentation prompts students to question why certain Roman Numerals are represented in specific ways, such as the numeral IV for 4 instead of IIII, and the numeral VI for 6. This interactive approach encourages students to discern the rules governing Roman Numeral representation, like the placement of larger valued letters before smaller ones to indicate addition.

During the lesson, children participate in a variety of activities designed to reinforce their comprehension of Roman Numerals. They are challenged to complete diagrams that show numbers in different formats, including numerals, words, and Roman Numerals. The focus is initially on multiples of 10, progressing to a broader range of numbers. Differentiated worksheets support independent learning, allowing students to demonstrate their grasp of the topic at varying levels of difficulty. The lesson addresses key questions such as the absence of a symbol for zero in Roman Numerals and the identification of patterns, which aid in predicting larger numeral representations. To consolidate learning, students reflect on what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging. The lesson concludes with a commitment from the students to remember the key aspects of Roman Numerals, ensuring a solid foundation for future learning in this area.