Decimals - Writing Decimals Numbers - Planning

In the third lesson of Week 4's summer term, Year 4 students delve into the world of decimals, focusing on writing decimal numbers accurately. The lesson begins with a recap of previous learning, ensuring that students are comfortable with place value and the significance of the decimal point. The class is introduced to a place value grid, which is a pivotal resource in understanding how to read and write decimals. The grid is divided into columns with headings such as tens, ones, tenths, and hundredths, and students are reminded that as we move from right to left, the value of the number increases. A series of activities are set out, starting with reading decimal numbers to one decimal place and advancing to two decimal places, emphasizing the importance of including zeros in the correct positions to maintain the value of the number.

Differentiated activities challenge the children to think critically and work systematically. In one activity, children are tasked with proving or disproving a peer's claim about the number of decimal numbers that can be created with three counters on the place value grid. This exercise not only reinforces their understanding of decimal numbers but also encourages methodical problem-solving. Throughout the lesson, key questions prompt students to consider when it is necessary to include zeros in their decimal notations. Common misconceptions are addressed, such as the tendency to omit zeros when a place value column is empty. By the end of the lesson, students are expected to have a firmer grasp on reading and writing decimal numbers, using a place value grid effectively, and understanding the importance of zeros in decimal notation. The lesson concludes with a reflection on what they have learned, the skills they have used, and what they found challenging, ensuring that they remember the key points of writing decimal numbers.