Money - Estimating Money - Planning

In a Year 4 mathematics lesson focused on money, students are introduced to the concept of estimating money through rounding. The lesson utilises a variety of resources, including place value charts, number lines, plastic money, and counters to facilitate learning. The aim is to teach students key vocabulary such as 'money', 'estimate', 'rounding', 'number line', 'value', 'digit', 'pounds', and 'pence'. The lesson begins with a starter activity where children recap the rules of rounding numbers, using rhymes and examples to solidify their understanding. They then explore how this knowledge applies to estimating monetary values, discussing the meanings of 'estimate' and 'round'.

The main activities involve using number lines to round amounts of money to the nearest pound and calculating totals. Students complete tables, deciding whether to use place value charts, number lines, or mental methods to round each amount. They then work in pairs to solve worded problems with plastic money, remembering that their answers are estimates rather than exact figures. Independent learning is supported by differentiated worksheets that cater to varying levels of ability, from those working towards the expected standard to those aiming for greater depth. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' session, where students consider what they have learned, the skills they have used, and any challenges they encountered, ensuring they remember the key points of estimating money through rounding.