Addition and Subtraction - Add two 4-digit numbers – one exchange - Planning

In a Year 5 mathematics unit focused on Addition and Subtraction, students are introduced to the concept of adding two 4-digit numbers with the requirement of one exchange. The National Curriculum objectives emphasize the importance of understanding and applying formal written methods for column addition and subtraction. The key vocabulary for this unit includes terms such as 'addition', 'subtraction', 'exchange', 'total', and 'place value', which are essential for grasping the concepts being taught. Students begin the lesson by engaging with a starter activity that prompts them to recall previous learning. They then move onto using practical resources like place value counters and grids to visually comprehend the process of exchanging when adding numbers that result in more than 9 in one column. This hands-on approach is supplemented by written methods to reinforce the concept.

The lesson is structured to cater to different learning stages, with activities designed to challenge students at varying levels of understanding. In the main activity, students use place value charts to add numbers displayed on the board, ensuring they follow the rules for exchanging. They then practice further by exchanging hundreds for a thousands counter and completing differentiated worksheets independently. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' session, where students assess their learning, the skills they used, and any difficulties they encountered. They also make a 'pinkie promise' to remember key aspects of the lesson. The progression of the tasks aims to build confidence in adding 4-digit numbers with exchanges and applying this knowledge to real-life scenarios such as money problems, with the ultimate goal of achieving greater depth in their mathematical understanding.