Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division - Adding Whole Numbers with more than 4-digits - Planning

In this Year 6 mathematics lesson, students delve into the world of large numbers, learning to add whole numbers with more than four digits using formal written methods. The National Curriculum objectives are to enhance the students' abilities in performing column addition and subtraction, including multi-step problems that require them to choose appropriate operations and methods. Key vocabulary such as 'column addition', 'exchange', 'calculation', 'total', and 'place value column' are essential to the lesson, with resources like worksheets and presentations aiding the learning process. Students begin by revisiting previous learning, focusing on column addition with 4 and 5-digit numbers, and through a series of activities, they practice representing calculations on a place value grid, understanding the exchange process, and creating word problems to contextualize their understanding.

Differentiated activities cater to varying levels of proficiency, from 'working towards' to 'greater depth', with each tier requiring students to handle increasingly complex exchanges during calculations. The lesson emphasizes the importance of lining up digits correctly according to their place value and using manipulatives to aid in calculations. A reflective 'Give me five' exercise concludes the session, prompting students to think about what they've learned, the skills they've used and found challenging, and what strategies or tools helped them during the lesson. The aim is to ensure students remember the key concepts of column addition and the exchange process, with the ultimate goal of applying these skills to solve real-world problems effectively.