Statistics - Line Graphs - Planning

In a comprehensive lesson plan for Year 4 students during a summer term Statistics unit, the objective is to understand and interpret line graphs. The lesson starts with a small step that includes a series of 'fluent in four' questions aimed at recapping previous learning, particularly focusing on comparison, sum, and difference problems using continuous data. Key vocabulary such as 'line graph', 'continuous data', 'axis', 'scale', and 'comparison' is introduced, with resources such as worksheets and a presentation provided to facilitate learning. Students are encouraged to use tools like rulers to aid in reading number lines and to engage in activities that ask them to interpret data from line graphs, such as the growth of a plant or the weight of a puppy or kitten over time.

During the class, children work together to answer questions about the graphs, learning to compare values and calculate differences using subtraction methods. They are prompted to articulate their reasoning using sentence stems. Differentiated worksheets allow for independent practice, catering to varying levels of ability, from working towards expectations to achieving greater depth. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' plenary where students consider what they have learned, the skills they have used, and the aspects they found challenging. This structure ensures that students can identify the x and y axes, read points accurately, and apply addition and subtraction methods correctly when interpreting line graphs, while also becoming aware of common misconceptions.