Money - Give Change - Planning

In the second week of the Summer term, Year 4 students tackle the practical mathematics topic of giving change. The lesson is structured to ensure a clear understanding of the concept, starting with a small step starter activity that prompts students to recall previous learning. The class teaching input then introduces the day's focus, discussing real-life scenarios where change is given and linking the process to subtraction, a skill they have previously encountered. The students are encouraged to use resources such as worksheets, presentations, and hands-on materials like sugar paper and individual whiteboards to aid their learning. Key vocabulary such as 'subtraction', 'change', 'part-whole model', and 'number line' is emphasised, with additional resources available for reinforcement.

Through a variety of interactive activities, including partner work and group discussions, children apply their understanding of subtraction to calculate change. They are guided to use number lines to find the difference between the amount paid and the cost of an item, as demonstrated in an example with strawberries costing 34p and paid for with a 50p coin. The lesson also introduces the part-whole model as an alternative method for solving these problems. After independent work with differentiated worksheets, the class comes together for a plenary to discuss reasoning questions and address any misconceptions. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students evaluate what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging. Differentiated activities ensure all students, from those working towards expected standards to those achieving greater depth, are engaged and challenged appropriately.